PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – A South Florida community is demanding answers after a man was shot and killed by an officer in plain clothes.
ABC affiliate WPBF said a source told them that police found a loaded gun at the scene that belonged to the victim. But the victim's family and friends find that difficult to believe.
The shooting was reported early Sunday on Interstate 95 at PGA Bouelvard.
Corey Jones, 31, was on his way home from a band performance when his car broke down. Police said a rookie officer in plain clothes and in an unmarked car pulled over to check on the car.
According to the officer, Jones pulled a gun on him and the men exchanged gunfire. What's unclear is whether Jones even knew that he was dealing with a police officer.
The officer apparently left his radio in his car when he chased after Jones, eventually shooting him.
"He grew up on the drums over there and we taught him a few things about life and being a gentleman, and we really just need to get more information," Jones' uncle, Kenneth Terry Banks, said.
The case is drawing national attention. Late Tuesday, Congressman Patrick Murphy, whose district is where the shooting took place, released a statement that read in part: "While all the details of Corey's death are still not known, I am deeply concerned. Corey's family deserves answers and an open and transparent investigation. Our whole community deserves nothing less."
The officer was not injured and is on paid leave.
The victim's family has since hired attorney Benjamin Crump, who represented Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown's families.
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