Harith Augustus death: Police accountability agency release new bodycam footage of fatal Chicago shooting

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has released new video footage of the fatal shooting

An agency which investigates allegations of police misconduct has released new raw video footage capturing the fatal police shooting of Harith Augustus in Chicago.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), recently released new footage of the 14 July shooting of Mr Augustus, a 37-year-old black Chicago barber. The Chicago Police Department had released a portion of body camera video without audio shortly after the shooting.

“We’re not trying to hide anything,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson at the time. “We’re not trying to fluff anything. This video speaks for itself.”

Mr Johnson explained in a press conference that initial video did not have audio as there's a 30-second delay period for sound to kick in once the body camera is activated.

But now COPA’s videos reveals more of the fatal interaction. The newly-released videos include extended body cam footage with audio and surveillance video capturing the moments leading up to the shooting and the moments afterward. After officers approached Mr Augustus, one officer can be seen in the footage attempting to grab and restrain him before he was able to wiggle away from the officer's grip.

Immediately after an officer shot Mr Augustus, who police had alleged in July was “exhibiting characteristics of an armed person,” the officer can be heard saying, “He pulled a gun on me”. The officers said in the video they retrieved a gun found on Mr Augustus’ person.

“Why did he have to pull a gun out on us,” the officer can be heard asking. He added: “I had to, he was going to shoot us.”

The officer involved has been placed on a 30 days of administrative duty as COPA conducts its investigation. A judge ordered the release of the new video after local activist William Calloway filed a lawsuit demanding it's release. COPA spokesman Ephraim Eaddy told The Chicago Tribune the agency whad planned to release the new footage on 17 August regardless.

Mr Augustus’ death sparked a string of protests in Chicago as the city continues to grapple with growing tensions between the police and the black community.

Many community activists lambasted the police department earlier his month for its involvement in a so-called “bait truck” operation orchestrated in the city’s predominately black neighbourhood of Englewood. The transportation company, Norfolk Southern, who led the operation meant to lure potential thieves with a parked truck full of goods, has since apologised and said it will end the practice.

Back in July, Mr Johnson said he would not weigh in on the fatal encounter as to not "adversely harm" COPA's investigation. The Chicago Police Department told The Independent that it would not provide additional statements at this time.