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Solano County District Attorney Office announced last week that a California officer was justified in using deadly force in a 2018 shooting that killed unarmed Ronell Foster. Foster, 33, was riding out his bike when he was fatally shot by officer Ryan McMahon. Officers then said a foot chase and “violent physical struggle” which prompted the officer to open fire. After an investigation of the incident, prosecutors said they couldn’t prove without a reasonable doubt that McMahon’s use of force was excessive.

“We understand that these decisions weigh heavily on our community,” the DA’s office said. “However, we must remain steadfast in our ethical obligation to uphold the law and public trust.”

The incident led to Feb. 13, 2018, when McMahon spotted Foster riding his bike without the proper headlamp and weaving through traffic according to police. McMahon attempted to conduct a stop, but Foster proceeded to flee on his bike. Once he finally caught up with him and a scuffle started and McMahon deployed his taser, but it was ineffective in subduing Foster.

Police camera video released by the department captures Foster on the ground as the officer struggles to get him under control. Foster attempts to sit up however, his movements are unclear because of the constant jostling of the camera. With the stun gun in his right hand and a flashlight in another, a shadow cast along a nearby fence shows the officer reholstering his gun. Foster rises moments later and grabs McMahon’s flashlight. The officer opens fire.

“Fearing imminent and serious physical harm, [McMahon] discharged his duty firearm, striking Foster,” the police report said. Foster then falls backwards and lays motionless on the ground. He was reportedly hit in the back and back of the head.

Foster’s family has disputed the officer’s account of the event and later filed a lawsuit law enforcement officers of unfairly targeted him. Vallejo police allegedly refused to allow Foster’s family to see the bodycam video of the shooting. Law enforcement officials wouldn’t release the video until May 2019.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of [Ronell] D. Foster, who lost his life on February 13, 2018,” the DA’s office said. “We express our deepest condolences to Foster’s family during this very difficult time. Our office has had the opportunity to meet with the family of [Ronell] D. Foster and informed them of our decision.”

This isn’t the first time McMahon has been involved in a shooting. McMahon was one of several officers who opened fire killing 20-year-old Willie McCoy as he sat sleeping in his car in the drive-thru of a restaurant. The shooting sparked outrage in the Vallejo community demanding the police to take accountability. McCoy’s cousin told The Guardian that the video of Foster’s death was additional evidence that McMahon was a “loose cannon.”

“He’s just allowed to do whatever it is he wants to do, and there’s no culpability,” said David Harrison. “These are racist tactics … and all these families have to suffer.”

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