FERGUSON, MO (KTVI) – After abruptly leaving a Friday morning news conference, Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson held another media briefing to explain why he released the officer’s name along with the surveillance video of a robbery suspect believed to be Michael Brown.
Demonstrators were upset Friday morning when the chief told the crowd Brown had allegedly robbed a convenience store just moments before he was shot and killed by officer Darren Wilson.
Jackson said he released both pieces of evidence at the same time because the media had asked for both. However, he did say the robbery and the shooting of Michael Brown were not connected.
“All I did was release the video tape because I had to, ” Jackson said.
During the news conference Jackson said the officer who shot Brown did stop him and his friend because they were walking down the middle of the street. That officer had not responded to the robbery call.
Jackson said he has not met with Brown’s family again. There was a meeting scheduled but the Brown family had not had a chance to consult with their attorney.
Jackson gave a few more details about officer Darren Wilson calling him a “gentleman” and a “quiet officer.”
“He’s devastated. Absolutely devastated. He never intended for any of this to happen.”
Wilson served two years with the Jennings police department and has been a Ferguson officer for four year.
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