Johannes Mehserle, the BART cop who shot Oscar Grant in the back at Fruitvale Station, Oakland, has been arrested in Nevada on suspicion of murder.
SFGate reports:
SFGate reports:
Mehserle was arrested in the New Year's Day shooting of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old supermarket worker from Hayward who was lying facedown after being pulled off a BART train by police investigating a fight. An Alameda County judge signed an arrest warrant alleging murder, and Mehserle surrendered without incident, authorities said.
The shooting, which was recorded by passengers in videos widely circulated on the Internet and television, prompted public outrage, and some viewers said that the shooting appeared to be an execution.
Following the shooting Mehserle refused to discuss the matter with BART criminal investigators. He chose to resign rather than answer questions from BART's internal affairs division - then took off for Nevada citing threats on his life.
Protests were held in Oakland after the Grant shooting. A number of Oakland community leaders and civil rights activists believe that the Mehserle case is symbolic also of a more widespread problem that involves the targeting of black youth by law enforcement officers.
Desley Brooks, councilwoman for East Oakland, went so far as to call the shooting of Oscar Grant "an execution."
Desley Brooks, councilwoman for East Oakland, went so far as to call the shooting of Oscar Grant "an execution."
SFGate:
Grant's family has filed a $25 million legal claim against BART, signaling an intention to sue for damages. The family's attorney, John Burris, said late Tuesday that he was pleased to hear of Mehserle's arrest.
"If it's true, the family is delighted, and it will really help with the healing process," Burris said. "This is also very important for the community. This had to occur; it was almost a no-brainer. I think the district attorney ought to be commended for moving (the case) expeditiously."
One truth the Oscar Grant shooting demonstrates is the power of the cellphone to expose incidents that in former times would likely have resulted in a cover-up and official inaction. It also demonstrates people power. The videos and online discussions of the content helped to mobilize the call for justice in Oakland.
