Unarmed Mentally Ill Man Shot To Death By Cops

"What began as a dramatic Los Angeles car chase last Friday ended with police firing 15 to 20 rounds at the unarmed driver, Brian Newt Beaird, who reportedly had schizophrenia. Up to 20 police officers were pursuing Beaird for suspected drunk or reckless driving, and over the course of the chase he injured passengers in another car. Beaird exited the car after the crash, his arms raised and empty-handed, only to be gunned down by police.

Gilbert Vasquez, a friend of Beaird's, told NBC4 News that he was schizonphrenic, not drunk. "He heard voices so he probably saw the helicopter lights, the lights of the cops pursuing him," Vasquez said. "It scared the hell out of him." The three officers involved have been removed from the field, pending an internal investigation.

The entire incident was broadcast live on news channel KTLA, which pulled cameras away once the anchor realized officers had likely fired lethal bullets. At around 21:10, Beaird exited his car with his back to police:"* The Young Turks hosts Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian break it down.

*Read more here from Rebecca Leber / Think Progress:


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