Mayor Tucker addresses community after fatal shooting of man by FWPD officer

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

5 2 minutes read

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker is speaking publicly for the first time Monday about a Fort Wayne Police Department officer who fatally shot a 21-year-old man during a a traffic stop this weekend.

Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) detectives say the currently unnamed FWPD officer stopped a car during a traffic stop near Hurd and John streets around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. According to the department's press release, the man was shot after “The actions of the occupants inside the vehicle caused the officer to discharge his weapon.” Police have not yet explained why the officer initially stopped the car.

The man, identified by the coroner as Linzell Parhm, 21, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The department said the officer was placed on administrative leave per FWPD policy.

The shooting was filmed and viewed thousands of times on social media. You can watch this sequence hereViewer discretion is strongly advised.

LEARN MORE: Witness video shows moments before FWPD officer kills man during traffic stop

Mayor Tucker sent the following statement regarding the shooting Sunday evening:

Protesters gathered at the Allen County Courthouse on Sunday to advocate for the release of the officer's body camera footage. 21Investigates filed a public records request to obtain this video.

Protesters returned to the courthouse Monday evening to continue sharing their message.

Story continues below

Protesters gather at the Allen County Courthouse Monday evening following the shooting death of Linzell Parhm.(staff)

A growing memorial was established for Linzell at the Euell A. Wilson Community Center, a Christian organization in which Linzell was heavily involved.

The center posted a message on Facebook about his death, saying he “worked tirelessly to ensure that all young people at the center felt a sense of belonging and that he cared deeply about his family and community “. It is said that he worked as a barber and dreamed of owning his own business.

“His legacy will be his passion to serve others with care and respect. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time,” the message read.

Later Monday, the center shared photos of children who attended the center and wrote messages in Linzell's memory.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police, the Allen County Prosecutor's Office and the coroner's office.