Charged with murder after fatally shooting an unarmed man, a Texas police officer was fired Thursday for “his egregious violation of the city’s and police department’s policies.”
On Wednesday, investigators from the Texas Rangers released the probable cause affidavit that briefly summarized the events that led up to the death of Jonathan Price. Shortly before 8:30 p.m. on October 3, Wolfe City Police Officer Shaun Lucas responded to a call concerning a fight in progress at a ‘Kwik Chek’ convenience store.
According to the affidavit, Price greeted Officer Lucas as he exited his patrol car and extended his hand “in a handshake gesture.” Price reportedly told the officer that someone had tried to “wrap me up.”
Suspecting that Price was intoxicated, Lucas grabbed his arms and attempted to detain Price. Price responded, “I can’t be detained.”
Aiming his Taser at Price, Lucas ordered him to comply. Instead, Price began to walk away when Lucas fired his Taser at him.
The Taser was not fully effective, according to the affidavit. Stepping towards Lucas, Price allegedly grabbed the end of the officer’s deployed Taser when Lucas drew his gun and fired four rounds at Price’s torso.
In the affidavit, the Texas Rangers confirmed that Lucas’ bodycam video recorded the entire incident. The video still has not been released to the public.
On October 5, Lucas was arrested and charged with the murder of Jonathan Price. On Thursday, Price was terminated from the Wolfe City Police Department.
In a press release issued on Thursday, Wolfe City officials wrote, “Earlier today Mr. Lucas was terminated for his egregious violation of the City’s and police department’s policies.”
“As the Mayor and Council of Wolfe City we want to extend our gratitude that the gatherings in support of Mr. Price and his family have remained peaceful. Wolfe City is tight-knit community, and we join you in mourning Jonathan’s death and the events of last week. We also ask that you remember our city employees, many of whom worked with both Mr. Price and Mr. Lucas as we eventually begin the work of healing our town and the community at large.”
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