It is possible for one cop to see or perceive a threat that his partner standing (sitting in this case) next to him does not see or perceive.
The known circumstances in this case however will require some serious explanations which I doubt we will see until a trial.
I'd have to say "no" in this case.
Think about it, if you're sitting on the passenger side of the car, is your view of someone standing on the driver's side of the car, outside the driver's window, better than the driver's view? Especially with the driver in the way? Not likely.