Lockland police shoot man believed to be innocent bystander

The family of Samuel Mumyarutete, who was shot and killed by a Lockland police officer, believes he was an innocent bystander. Mumyarutete, 48, had fled a civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His family claims they have not received any evidence that he was involved in a police chase that was happening nearby. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning after West Chester Township police initiated a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. The chase lasted around six miles and ended at the Hamilton County line, where multiple police departments joined in. The vehicle was found crashed, but its occupants were missing. According to Lockland police, an officer encountered Mumyarutete walking along the interstate. He was reportedly holding something and did not respond to commands from the police. An officer tried to use a Taser but failed, leading to the officer firing his weapon, which struck Mumyarutete in the chest. Mumyarutete was not fluent in English and relied on a translation app, according to his family. The Ohio Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting, but body camera footage has not yet been released. The family is seeking a thorough and transparent investigation. Record show that just a week before the incident, Mumyarutete was arrested for a misdemeanor assault charge. He had been released on his own recognizance and planned to argue self-defense in court.