Crowd Protests Fatal Police Shooting Of 20-Year-Old Student In Long Beach
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Family members and friends of a 20-year-old man who was fatally shot by an officer held a protest Thursday outside the Long Beach Police Department.
Investigators say on May 27, Woodland Hills resident Feras Morad jumped out of a two-story window from a Long Beach home. It happened around 7:30 p.m. in the 4600 block of East 15th Street.
Following his fall, a concerned and anxious neighbor called 911 to report the incident.
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Upon their arrival, police said Morad acted aggressively and was combative towards officers. Authorities say he also seemed intoxicated.
According to officials, several unsuccessful attempts were made to subdue Morad before he threatened to attack an officer.
In response, police say they used a stun gun to control him and finally resorted to gunfire.
Paramedics transported Morad to a hospital where he later died.
No officers were injured in the shooting.
A preliminary investigation revealed Morad traveled to Long Beach to study for a debate. At one point during the evening, he ingested mushrooms.
Family members say this seemed to be out of character for him as he was a great student.
On Wednesday, hundreds gathered in Woodland Hills to remember the life of Morad. During the somber vigil, family members recounted he was an honors student who graduated from El Camino Real Charter School in 2013, was attending Moorpark College, and was a nationally ranked member of the debate team.
Demonstrators gathered Thursday to speak out against what they say was an excessive response by LBPD. Beginning at 4 p.m. they marched from Lincoln Park to Long Beach police headquarters.
The shooting remains under investigation.
