WOBURN, Mass. (AP) — A Reading police officer was indicted on a manslaughter charge in connection with the fatal shooting of a man during a domestic violence investigation, prosecutors say.
Erik Drauschke, a 14-year veteran of the Reading Police Department, shot Alan Greenough in the chest in February 2018, according to a statement Wednesday from the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.
During the investigation, Drauschke found 43-year-old Greenough sitting in a car parked on a service station’s property in such a way that it could not be driven away, prosecutors allege.
Greenough did not make any attempt to flee or make any threatening gestures toward the officer while in the vehicle, prosecutors said.
They said Greenough got out of the car with his hands in his sweatshirt pockets and yelling “Shoot me, shoot me.”
Drauschke, who did not wait for assistance despite the presence of other officers nearby, backed up and fired twice, prosecutors said. No weapon was found on or near Greenough, authorities said.
Drauschke’s lawyer, Peter Pasciucco, said in an email to The Boston Globe that he was disappointed.
“His actions in this particular situation were entirely consistent with his extensive training and deadly force was warranted,” Pasciucco said. “We look forward to a trial where, as opposed to a grand jury, we don’t deal in probabilities.”
Victor Koufman, an attorney for Greenough’s family, said they are “grateful” that the district attorney is attempting to hold someone accountable.
Drauschke has been on paid administrative leave since the shooting and will be placed on unpaid leave, Reading Chief David Clark said.
An arraignment has not been scheduled.
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