WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – When Palm Beach Gardens police officer Nouman Raja pulled up to Corey Jones and his broken down SUV last fall, he didn’t know Jones was on a recorded phone call with a tow truck operator.
Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg charged Raja with manslaughter and attempted murder Wednesday, saying his shooting of Jones, 31, last Oct. 18 was unjustified and that he lied to a 911 operator to make it appear that was still armed and a threat more than 30 seconds after he had been felled by the officer’s bullets. If convicted, Raja could face life in prison.
Jones’ family issued a statement saying they are relieved by the arrest.
“While we understand that nothing can bring back our son, brother and friend, this arrest sends a message that this conduct will not be tolerated from members of law enforcement,” the statement said. They have a news conference scheduled Thursday.
Raja’s attorney, Richard Lubin, did not respond to phone calls or email. Raja is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday.