Union City issues statement on Dec. shooting; family not satisfied

The Union City Police Department has released a new statement about last month's officer-involved shooting death of a 19-year-old man.

The release details new information about how police believe Ariston Waiters and the officer were struggling over the officer’s gun. Waiters was shot twice in the back and killed in the incident on Dec. 14.

The statement released Saturday says in part, "While arresting and handcuffing Waiters, Waiters grabbed the officer's service weapon and a fight over the weapon ensued. During the struggle, our officer discharged his service weapon, mortally wounding Waiters."

The statement does not sit well with local radio talk show host and activist Derrick Boazman, who has organized rallies in support of the family. He's also been trying to get more information from Union City leaders about the shooting .

"I think this is disappointing," Boazman said.

Channel Two Action News Reporter Tony Thomas asked Boazman "Do you believe he was fighting with the officer at all?"

"Let me say there are independent witnesses who say that did not happen," Boazman said.

The shooting occurred on Hickory Lane in Union City.

Officers responded to a fight in progress call and said when they arrived, Waiters ran from officers.

"How does a 19-year-old get shot down twice in the back? Even if I'm fighting with you, I can't see a scenario where I end up getting shot in the back," Boazman said.

Neither Union City leaders nor the Fulton County District Attoey will say anything more about the investigation.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigations completed its look into the incident and gave its report to the district attoey on Thursday. The district attoey must now consider what, if any, charges will be filed.

The lack of comment from authorities has the Waiters family and their supporters calling for a massive rally in front of the Union City Hall Tuesday night. Protestors then plan to converge on a City Council meeting that night to confront city leaders.

"The bottom line is, Union City still owes this community some explanations and we intend to get those," Boazman said.

Union City leaders so far have not identified the officer involved in the shooting.