While Metro Nashville Police officers search for a newly discovered witness in the case of a fatal officer-involved shooting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be monitoring the department's every move.
Metro Nashville Police Officer Joshua Lippert shot and killed 31-year-old Jocques Clemmons last Friday during an altercation following a traffic stop.
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United States Attorney David Rivera informed Chief Steve Anderson that the FBI will monitor the department's continuing investigation and will review it upon completion.
“I welcome the FBI’s involvement, which I see as good for this community and our police department,” Chief Anderson said. “I pledge to all of Nashville that a full, complete and accountable investigation is in progress.”
Mayor Barry also released the following statement:
“We have said all along that there will be a full and thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Jocques Clemmons. I believe, as does the MNPD, in having an open and transparent process so that the public has access to the facts in this situation as quickly as possible. I support the decision of US Attorney David Rivera to ask the FBI to monitor this investigation so that there will be an independent third-party review and assessment of the investigation at its conclusion.”
Metro officials also released information of a newly discovered witness in the case.
An unidentified person can be seen in surveillance video leaving the SUV Clemmons was driving.
Police said Clemmons rushed Officer Lippert when addressed about the traffic stop then led him on a brief foot chase. That's when the front seat passenger of the SUV can be seen getting out and walking out of the frame of the video.
Detectives were working to identify the witness so that they could conduct an interview.
A detailed examination of Clemmons’ body at the Medical Examiner’s Office over the weekend revealed that he sustained three gunshot wounds, one to his left hip and two to his back.
The department received much backlash following the incident.
Clemmons' family was unhappy with the way the investigation was handled saying investigators were quick to release his criminal activity, and did not portray him as a father and son.
They also claimed he wasn't armed during the stop, but police said he did have a gun on him.
Officials said in a press release that Officer Lippert didn't shoot until Clemmons had regained control of the weapon and "Clemmons continued to move with gun in hand."
Surveillance video shows that Clemmons was turning between two vehicles in the parking lot to try to get away from the officer.
The NAACP called for a transparent investigation following the shooting.
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Officer Lippert was placed on administrative assignment during the investigation.
Chief Anderson and U.S. Attorney Rivera answered questions during a press conference Monday afternoon.
