ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange-Osceola State Attorney Jeff Ashton says he plans to personally review all cases in his jurisdiction in which law enforcement officers use deadly force.
Ashton said in a letter Friday that the recent increase in deadly force encounters in Central Florida "is of grave concern to this office."
He's also seeking an independent review by a grand jury, which he noted may be stressful for officers during the investigative process. But Ashton says it's a necessary step to maintain public confidence. The review will examine all aspects of the cases, including investigative and tactical decisions.
The decision stems, in part, from a January shooting where Orlando police officers shot and killed 19-year-old Karvis Gamble and wounded Cordaryl Wilson. That case will go in front of a grand jury, Ashton said.
The Orlando Police Department said in a statement that it will cooperate completely and has complete faith in the grand jury.
OPD said its Drug Enforcement Division was at the Arlington address because of drug complaints.
Gamble's mother says she is relieved police shootings are getting a closer look.
"I know my kids and ain't no way in the world somebody could tell me my son pulled a in on a police officer," said Tanjila Lippett.
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