Ferguson

Ferguson, Missouri Outrage

Robert Choinka

Public Affairs Writing Assignment

September 7th 2014

In the usual calm city of Ferguson, Missouri, an outrage broke out and ended with the horrifying death of 18-year-old Michael Brown. There are two sides of the story that are still unknown and up for discussion between the parties’ involved. Michael was African American that was shot as many as 8 times till his life was taken from him by a Ferguson police officer. Brown was living with his grandmother and had recently graduated from Normandy High School. Brown and his friend were walking to their friends house when a police officer had pulled up and stated “Get the f*** on the sidewalk.” Brown and his buddy Dorian Johnson responded by telling the police officer that they are near their destination and will be off the street shortly. Dorian Johnson stated that the police officer had backed up recklessly almost hitting the two of them. The officer then proceeded to grab brown through the window and shots were immediately fired. Brown broke free from the officer and they proceeded to run away from the police cruiser. The officer then stepped out of the car and opened fire up to 10 times on 18 year old Michael Brown until he dropped to the pavement dead.

The police forces as well as other witnesses have also released another side of the story. They have stated that Michael brown had stolen a pack of swisher cigars from the nearby gas station, which led the police officer to stop the two teens and confront them. Brown then had an altercation with the police officer through the driver side window of the police cruiser. Michael then reached for the officers weapon and out of self defense the officer drew his weapon and fired at Mr. Brown inside his window missing him. Brown and his friend then took off down the street after this occurred. The officer then got out of his vehicle and opened fire at Michael firing at him up to ten times. Brown then fell to...