Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw announced that Officer Mark Dial, a 5-year veteran, will be fired following the fatal shooting of Eddie Jose Irizarry. The decision comes after security footage was released showing Dial opening fire seconds after police pulled up next to Irizarry’s vehicle. Dial had been placed on restrictive duty since the August 14 incident.
Attorney Shaka Johnson, representing Irizarry’s family, released the security footage, which contradicts the initial police claim that Irizarry lunged at the officers. The video shows Irizarry pulling into a parking spot haphazardly and running over a cone. As two officers approach the vehicle, they repeatedly yell, “show me your hands,” before one of them fires multiple shots at the car. Irizarry is then pulled out of the vehicle by the officers.
Irizarry, who spoke very little English and had moved from Puerto Rico, was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and Officer Dial may face additional disciplinary charges if found to have violated department policies.
Commissioner Outlaw acknowledged the inaccurate information initially provided by the police department, stating that evidence clearly indicates Irizarry was seated inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the inaccurate information.
Attorney Johnson called for Dial’s arrest and charged him with a crime, stating that Irizarry should not have been killed for erratic driving. The Citizens Police Oversight Commission had also called for Dial’s termination.
The police department has not released the body camera footage, and Irizarry’s family has requested to view it privately. The district attorney’s office has been in contact with the family’s attorney and plans to meet with them in person.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
