Crime & Safety

Tempe Officer Who Shot Teen Won't Be Charged

Lt. Edward Ouimette's body cam had not been on during the incident.

The lieutenant with the Tempe Police Department who shot and killed a teenager during a foot pursuit won't be charged criminally, Maricopa County District Attorney Bill Montgomery announced Wednesday.

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Lt. Edward Ouimette had been pursuing armed robbery suspect Dalvin Hollins last July when he shot Hollins.

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The incident raised many concerns in the community: Ouimette's body camera had not been activated, he shot Hollins in the back, no gun was found.

In explaining his decision not to charge Ouimette, Montgomery cited several factors including the fact under Arizona law, the officer just needed to believe the suspect could be armed and that he - and others - could be in danger.

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"This legal finding does not alleviate the suffering of the Hollins' family, nor does it ease the fear and range of emotions of those who were at the Walgreens, the elderly care center, and those of Lt. Ouimette, who is still on industrial leave as a result of the injuries he sustained during this incident," a spokesman for the Tempe Police Department said in a statement.

Photo Tempe Police Department

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