Family of man fatally shot in back by cop applauds charges
The family of a Pennsylvania man shot in the back while lying facedown during a traffic stop for an expired inspection sticker says authorities have acted properly by charging the officer with criminal homicide.
Lawyers for the family and estate of David Kassick issued a statement Tuesday after police arrested Hummelstown police Officer Lisa Mearkle.
The Kassicks say charges are "a substantial step toward closure" after what they call a horrifying tragedy.
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Mearkle is being held without bail over the Feb. 2 shooting.
The family's lawyer says the 59-year-old Kassick was a Teamsters union laborer.
Investigators say Mearkle had incapacitated Kassick with a stun gun and he was on the ground when she shot him twice. She told investigators she thought he was reaching into his jacket for a gun.
Morning news break – March 23
