Was Stavian Rodriguez actually armed, or was he just suspected of being armed? The article is not clear about that rather important detail.
Officers called for Rodriquez to exit the store which he did through the drive-through window while holding a pistol, the release said.
Very good questions the author never bothered to find out. Was he armed? Did he have something that could be used as a weapon? Did he comply or did he try to reach for a object that could be perceived as a weapon from the officers location/perspective?
All major details that don’t fit the narrative they want, IMHO.
He was armed and was either juking the cops by acting like he was putting it down while not actually doing it - or was actually setting it on the ground, when all 5 officers lit him up.
At least that’s the way I read it in a different article.
Police said at that point he continued furtive movements, which they considered suspicious and led to officers opening fire.
Here is an article with details. The guy was bad news. I don’t feel sorry for him at all.
“Cheatham and Rodriguez then spoke briefly before Rodriguez reportedly retrieved a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine.”