Birmingham, AL - Birmingham Police released the bodycam footage of the fatal shooting of Desmon Montez Ray Jr., which occurred on Easter Sunday.

On April 4, Birmingham Police responded to a 911 call about a domestic dispute that was taking place inside a vehicle. When officers spotted the vehicle at the 200 block of Ninth Avenue West, they attempted to stop the vehicle.

Desmon Montez Ray was driving the vehicle and refused to stop. Police pursued the vehicle until it crashed into a chain link fence. Ray then exited the vehicle, confronted the officers and fired a gun. Officers returned fire and struck Ray. Ray was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

MORE NEWS: Ukraine Cleared to Build Patriots Under Trump Deal, But Production Could Take Years

"The department needed to put out the most factual information to make sure the community knows we’re going to operate above board and we’re going to be extremely clear in our delivery and we’re going to show exactly what occurred that night. Let me be clear, there’s not a member of this department who wants to take anyone’s life. Our goal is preservation of life, and we want to be respectful to everyone. We extend our condolences to the Ray family, but we have to make sure that we’re putting out the information that is necessary and relevant for the greater good of our community.”  - Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith 

Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith released the ring doorbell video and the bodycam footage due to the misinformation that was being spread throughout the community

“Our goal is to be as transparent as we possibly can. I feel it is critically important that we get information out there for the greater good of the community. It’s crucial to show the community what actually occurred, the involvement of our officers and the lengths we go through.” - Chief Patrick Smith

This piece was written by Zach Heilman on May 5, 2021. It originally appeared in RedVoiceMedia.com and is used by permission.

Following recent reports that Congress is considering a nationwide voter ID requirement for federal elections, do you support requiring voters to show identification before casting a ballot?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from RobManess.com, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Read more at RedVoiceMedia.com:
Officer Suspended For Embarrassing LeBron, His GoFundMe Nears Half A Million
LEO Round Table: TikTok Cop Shames Lebron James
LEO Round Table: Ambushed Motor Cop Nails His Man

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of RobManess.com. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.