*An Alabama repossession firm has triggered outrage in Decatur for seizing a Black father’s truck as he lay dying on the street after being shot by cops.
The tow truck driver was attempting to repossess Stephen Perkins’ pickup truck on September 29 in the Alabama city when the 39-year-old allegedly pulled a gun on him, causing the driver to call 911, according to the Daily Mail.
When officers from the Decatur Police Department arrived, they shot Perkins eight times outside his home. The surveillance footage shared by Decatur Daily shows the victim on the pavement as the tow truck driver makes off with his white GMC Sierra.
Perkins’ family said the tow truck driver should not have involved the police as they claim Perkins wasn’t behind on his car payments.
Surveillance cameras captured the moment Perkins was gunned down by responding officers. The police initially claimed Perkins was told to drop his weapon but refused to do so. Chief Todd Pinion later said Perkins had been ordered to “get on the ground” by officers, per the Daily Mail.
Perkins’ killing and the change of story from police sparked outrage in the community.
In the surveillance footage, Perkins can be heard shouting: “Hey, put my truck down,” before armed officers rush out from cover. One cop yells: “Hey, hey! Police! Get on the ground!’ as the other officers unleash eighteen shots towards Perkins.
Attorney Carl Cole told WAAY 31 that “police are not allowed to be involved in a car repossession unless there is a court order involved – and he alleges that there was none,” writes the Daily Mail.
Perkins’ family said his truck was not in repossession, so he tried to stop it from being towed.
A fundraiser was launched to help the family and has raised over $72,000.
READ MORE: Ford Applies for Patent on Car That Can Automatically Repossess Itself | WATCH
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