Chicago Police Officer Cleared In 2012 Teen Shooting Death

CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago police officer has been cleared of wrongdoing by the police board in the 2012 South Side shooting death of an unarmed teen. WGN reported despite the recommendation of oversight officials, Officer Brandon Ternand was vindicated in a 5 to 3 board vote Thursday, meaning he won't be fired or disciplined for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Dakota Bright during a foot chase.

Last year, the Independent Police Review Authority found Ternand at fault for shooting bright in the back of the head as they said he was unarmed, although officers found a .22-caliber revolver in a yard near where the chase started, WGN said.

The officer, who has been suspended without pay for nearly a year, told authorities he shot when he saw the teen turn his head toward the officer and reach for his left side "as if he were going to pull a gun."

More: Fatal Shooting Of 15-Year-Old By Chicago Cop 'Unprovoked,' 'Unwarranted'

In August 2017, the Independent Police Review Authority ruled the fatal shooting was "unprovoked" and "unwarranted," more than a year after the city of Chicago settled with Bright's family for about $1 million.

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