Tape Of Deadly Traffic Stop Released

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. -- The family of shooting victim Michael Simmons think police used excessive force when he was killed during a traffic stop, and now they have seen the disturbing police tapes of the incident.

The family had to sue to get the tape that showed what happened when Michael Simmons, 28, was pulled over for running a red light last January.

On the tape, Simmons is heard explaining to officers that that he tried to slow down to stop, but that it was hard to slow down on the ice. As the officer talked about arresting him, the tape showed Simmons took off, allegedly dragging the officer with him.

Another trooper arrived on the scene at the time Simmons' car took off and tried to help. The official reports from the state police said the officer had been dragged a city block and that, in self-defense, he took out his weapon and fired seven shots into Simmons.

The lawyer for Simmons' family said what they see in the video is the trooper putting his hand onto the car and holding on voluntarily. The family has filed a civil lawsuit and said they are shocked by what happened.

"Michael has two young children -- a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old boy. Ain't no amount of money in this world can bring him back. No amount of money can take the pain from having to tell his son that his daddy's in heaven," said Bashir Johnson, the victim's brother.

Last Friday, a state grand jury decided not to indict the two officers.

The family's lawyer said there is also a federal investigation into the situation -- it had to wait until the state investigation was over.

Copyright 2003 by NBC 10. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Author: NBC10