Black musician killed by plainclothes police officer after his car broke down

Corey Jones appears in a family photo. (Reuters)

Corey Jones was waiting for roadside assistance after his car broke down on a Florida highway when he was shot by a police officer wearing plainclothes.

The details of Saturday morning's encounter have been scarce as the department has remained tight-lipped. Family, friends and community members are demanding transparency from the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department.

Police Chief Stephen Stepp told reporters on Tuesday evening that Officer Nouman Raja was in plain clothes and driving a white unmarked van when he stopped to investigate what he believed to be an abandoned vehicle.

“As the officer exited his vehicle, he was suddenly confronted by an armed subject. As a result of the confrontation, the officer discharged his firearm resulting in the death of the subject, Corey Jones.”

Chief Stepp announced that Officer Raja is on paid administrative leave, department policy in most police shootings, and an investigation is being conducted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

WPBF-25 reports that Officer Raja told investigators that he shot Mr Jones on two separate occasions, according to sheriff’s office source who spoke anonymously. He wasn’t killed by the officer until he had run 30-40 yards away.

The officer was wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a baseball cap when he pursued Mr Jones.

Police say they found a gun register to Mr Jones at the scene. The Jimenez Arms 380 semi-automatic pistol was legally purchased three days before the fatal shooting.

As well as performing as a drummer with his local church every Sunday, Mr Jones worked as a property inspector and carried a firearm for protection.

“Our family would like to thank all of those who have reached out in support regarding the tragic death of our beloved Corey. Corey Jones was a God-fearing man who dedicated his life to doing the right thing. He lived every moment to the fullest and was an inspiration to many; the kind of son, brother and friend people could only hope for.

Rest assured, we are working diligently with our legal team to determine exactly why this plainclothes police officer in an unmarked car would approach Corey. We will never forget Corey. We are hopeful that the memory of his smiling face will give us strength during this incredibly difficult time.”

Officer Raja’s unmarked van did not have a dash cam and he was not wearing a body camera during the shooting. Investigators will reportedly rely heavily on his eyewitness account.

The New York Times later reported that Officer Raja failed to disclose on his current job's application that he was reprimanded three times for neglecting to turn in morphine recovered from a suspect.