Kevin Edward Peterson Jr. Shot And Killed By Sheriffs In Washington State

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The vigil was in memory of Kevin Edward Peterson Jr., 21, who was shot dead Thursday night after showing a handgun during a meeting with three deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, according to the unit investigating shooting.

After the vigil ended, people gathered near a bar where there was a skirmish with counter-protesters, according to CNN affiliate KATU. Cars were seen around the area, some people were seen with guns and flags, and there was an altercation between two people as well, KATU said.

Peterson was fatally shot Thursday night after being approached by law enforcement while sitting in his vehicle in a motel parking lot. Deputies and officers of a local drug task force suspected him of selling drugs, according to a statement by the Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), which conducts an independent investigation.

SWIIRT’s statement indicates that Peterson fled on foot and was pursued by law enforcement. SWIIRT says Peterson produced a handgun and the prosecuting officers “backed off.” Peterson then met with three Clark County MPs, all of whom fired their guns, the statement said.

SWIIRT’s statement does not say whether Peterson fired his handgun, but notes that a pistol was found near his body at the scene. All MPs involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation, SWIIRT said.

“The information I have is that entering a bank parking lot the man allegedly shot MPs with his gun,” Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins said during a press conference. Atkins acknowledged that according to state law, his department was not involved in the shooting investigation.

“I can say that our agency is in mourning, as are the Peterson family and our community,” said Atkins.

He promised to ensure “a full and thorough independent determination of what happened, how it happened and what can be learned from this incident.”

People gather for a vigil Friday for Kevin Peterson Jr., who was fatally shot by sheriffs.

Peterson’s death came amid a nationwide toll of racial injustice in America, following police killings of other black men and women like George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, between other.

Hundreds of people gathered in the city of Vancouver’s Hazel Dell neighborhood on Friday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of Peterson, according to The Columbian, a local newspaper.

A memorial made up of flowers and signs was left along a fence near the site where Peterson was killed, KATU reported. A KATU video showed members of the crowd holding candles and chanting “Black lives matter” and Peterson’s name.

Vancouver police stand guard as a tense standoff arose after Friday's vigil.

But a distinct crowd gathered near the vigil, some of whom were armed, waving American flags and those supporting President Donald Trump, The Columbian reported.

Small skirmishes broke out, involving shoving and shoving between members of the two groups. KATU reported seeing a man with an “assault rifle” walking in the middle of the road and people in cars sprayed with pepper.

Armed counter-protesters assemble as protesters march and attend a vigil in Washington on Friday.

Vancouver Deputy Police Chief Troy Price told CNN the clashes were “nothing serious”.

After the vigil, members of both groups traveled to the city center near Esther Short Park. Price said there had been property damage, including shattered glass at businesses, the sheriff’s office, the prosecutor’s office, the jail and the juvenile detention center.

Police declared the gathering illegal and ordered the crowds to disperse, Price said. At least seven people have been arrested after refusing to leave, he said.

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