ROCK ISLAND – The NAACP is calling for a federal investigation after the Rock Island County prosecutors ruled that a Rock Island police officer was justified in the fatal shooting of an armed African-American man.
On Wednesday, Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee issued a written report, clearing Officer Ryan DeRudder of criminal charges in the death of 32-year-old Darrin Langford on April 2.
Before the confrontation with police, Langford was seen firing his weapon into the air, according to several witnesses.
A foot chase began when Langford saw police had arrived on the scene. Langford was ordered to drop his gun but refused to do so. DeRudder shot at Langford when he started to pivot during the chase, because DeRudder feared for his safety, the report determined.
"With shots being fired, Darrin Langford endangered human life," McGehee said. " ... Ryan DeRudder ... acted justifiably in discharging his weapon to protect himself and others."
Langford was shot three times. He was hit in the right side of the back, the right hip and left buttock.
In a new release, the NAACP of Rock Island County expressed "grave concern" about McGehee's ruling and announced plans to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an investigation.
"We're not saying that somebody intentionally distorted the report or the outcome," said Berlinda Tyler-Jamison, president of the local NAACP chapter. "We're saying there needs to be a body that's further removed from this investigation. That's in the best interest of the Langford family, the community and law enforcement."
The shooting highlights the need for police to wear body cameras and that many questions would have been answered if the officer was wearing one, Tyler-Jamison said Wednesday.
The Langford family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Rock Island, DeRudder and an unidentified officer. On Tuesday, DeRudder and the city filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit.
DeRudder was placed on restrictive duty status pending the investigation, and he will soon return to active duty status.