Van Dyke Was Following Police Training When He Shot Laquan

CHICAGO, IL -- The trial of Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke for the murder of Laquan McDonald will continue Monday. Defense attorney Daniel Herbert continued his portrayal of McDonald as a menacing teenager on a wild rampage through the city in the hours leading up to his death on Oct. 20, 2014.

A neighbor of McDonald’s aunt on the West Side described meeting the 17-year--old when she parked her car in the early morning hours returning home from a party. McDonald asked to see and use her car. The two had a police exchange.

“I told him didn’t know who he was and that I don’t even let my son drive my car,” Yvette Patterson said. “I called 911 because I wanted to get out of my car and feel safe.”

The defense also called a pharmacology expert to the stand. Dr. James O’Connell discussed how PCP can cause aggression, rage and delusions. An autopsy found PCP in McDonald’s system.

Retired Chicago police firearms instructor Nicholas Pappas testified that Van Dyke was following his police training, when he fired his gun until the threat was eliminated and then reload. Officers are also taught that knives are threat. Van Dyke shot McDonald 16 times because he claimed to be in fear for his life because McDonald was armed with a knife.

Attorneys and the judge are expected to meet Friday to discuss jury instructions. Testimony will continue on Oct. 1. There is still no word if Van Dyke will take the stand.

Photo: Jason Van Dyke | Getty Images