Montgomery County police are investigating an incident where police shot a man to death after he allegedly assaulted a mall security guard.
It happened Saturday night at the City Place Mall on Colesville Road in Silver Spring. Police say the man assaulted a mall security guard.
The victim has been identified as Emmanuel Okutuga, 26, a student at Bowie State University.
His family has accused the police of using excessive force. They say he was a non-violent individual.
But police paint a different picture. "Each circumstance is different. In this case the man had a lethal weapon in his possession, an ice pick," said Capt. Paul Starks with Montgomery County police.
Police said the officer shot Okutuga twice after he refused to drop the weapon. Okutuga died at the scene.
The officer who fired his gun, Christopher Jordan is a four year veteran. He was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
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The family said authorities are still examining Okutuga's body, and at this point they have not made funeral arrangements.
