Alton Sterling’s family seeks officers’ immediate dismissal
NEW ORLEANS — The family of Alton Sterling is demanding the immediate firing of the two officers involved in the man’s death.
In a letter Wednesday to Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie Jr., attorneys contend the officers violated the police department’s policy regarding de-escalation.
It specifically cites information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice during a meeting in early May that Officer Blane Salamoni put his gun to Sterling’s head and, using an expletive, threatened to shoot him.
“Not only is this a direct violation of BRPD’s policy regarding de-escalation, but also a violation of multiple police procedures and policies recognized nationwide. More importantly, Officer Salamoni’s actions directly escalated the entire interaction with Mr. Sterling, having placed in Mr. Sterling’s mind that he was going to be killed no matter what he did, even if he complied,” attorneys representing Sterling’s children said.