A former Dallas-area police officer was indicted Monday on murder and other charges in a deadly April encounter in which authorities said he fired at a car, killing a 15-year-old passenger, reports CNN. The former officer says he fired because he feared for his partner's safety.
Roy Oliver, 37, formerly of the Balch Springs (TX) Police Department, was indicted by a grand jury on one count of murder in the death of Jordan Edwards and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant in connection with the four other people in the car, Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson said.
Oliver "discharged multiple rounds from his patrol rifle as the vehicle drove past him" on April 29, according to an arrest warrant. One bullet struck Jordan as the teenager rode in the car with the group, including two brothers.
The five were driving away from a house party after reportedly hearing shots. Jordan died from a fatal gunshot wound to the head, the Dallas County medical examiner's office said.
Oliver shared his story of what happened in response to a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by the father of 15-year-old Jordan Edwards, reports Fox News.
In his response to the civil suit, Oliver said he was backing up another officer. He said they heard six to 10 gunshots as they were investigating the party.
The former officer said he saw the car leaving and his partner ordered it to stop. He said the car accelerated and passed him.
Oliver said his partner was just a few inches from the car. He saw movement in the back seat and heard breaking glass near his partner. He fired three to five shots from about 10 to 15 feet away because he feared for himself and others.
