GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As the Grand Rapids community anticipates the release of videos showing the deadly shooting of Patrick Lyoya by a police officer, barriers are being put in place outside the police department.
FOX 17 crews watched as concrete barriers went into place on the sidewalk outside of police headquarters Tuesday.
The action comes 8 days after Lyoya was shot and killed near the intersection of Nelson Avenue and Griggs Street, and 4 days before a self-imposed deadline to release video of that shooting.
According to a department spokesperson, police do not anticipate any issues, but they are working with the city's event staff to ensure any public events connected to Lyoya's shooting is peaceful.
"The barricades are a precaution," they told FOX 17. "In order for the police department to maintain the safety of the public throughout the city, the building, which also houses the Grand Rapids 911 dispatch center operations, must be secure."
There have already been a number of demonstrations protesting the shooting of Lyoya.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom told FOX17 Lyoya ran from the officer, and then struggled with that officer when the officer caught up to him. Investigators say the officer shot Lyoya during the struggle.
However, Lyoya’s family has disputed that account. According to Lyoya’s father and the family’s interpreter, video they were shown of the shooting depicts the officer shooting Lyoya in the back of the head while lying face down on the ground.
FOX 17 has not reviewed any of the video and cannot verify the claims.
How we got here:
Man shot, killed by officer during traffic stop in Grand Rapids
Man identified in Grand Rapids officer involved shooting
Family demands answers, remembers life of man killed in GR officer-involved shooting
GRPD Chief on delaying release of video: this is not a cover-up
Kent County prosecutor: GRPD can share video of officer-involved shooting without his approval
‘I’m bleeding. I’m hurt:’ Father wants video of deadly officer-involved shooting released
Hundreds march against killing of Patrick Lyoya by a Grand Rapids police officer
Vigil for Patrick Lyoya, man who died after being shot by GR police officer
National and local leaders hold forum after Patrick Lyoya shot and killed by GR police officer
Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump calling for police video of Lyoya’s death to be released
Officer who killed Patrick Lyoya has not been interviewed 1 week after shooting
GR Mayor speaks after death of Patrick Lyoya, asks community to trust the process
Group plans to march to Grand Rapids City Commission meeting following shooting death of Patrick Lyoya
Multiple videos of deadly officer-involved shooting to be released
