Richard Lee Richards Death – Authorities say Officer Ryan Remington with the Tucson police has been fired after shooting a robbery suspect on a wheelchair Monday.
According to Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus, Officer Remington’s appointment was terminated over excessive use of force. He tagged the incident as very “disturbed and troubling, “His use of deadly force in this incident is a clear violation of department policy and directly contradicts multiple aspects of our use of force and training.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said in a statement that Remington’s actions were “unconscionable and indefensible,” and the County Attorney’s Office has her full support as it proceeds with its investigation.
The victim identified by officials as 61-year-old Richard Lee Richards was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident which was recorded on Remington’s body cam is now being investigated by the Pima County Attorney’s Office, the mayor said.
Remington was a four-year veteran and was on a special duty assignment, basically a security detail at the Walmart store in Midvale Park Shopping Center on Monday night, when a loss prevention employee at Walmart told Remington a man in a motorized wheelchair allegedly stole a toolbox from the store. Remington fatally shot the man outside after the man brandished a kitchen knife when the officer asked for the item receipt of purchase.
The handicapped suspect was shot nine times by the officer and was confirmed dead by arriving EMS.