NY1: Law Enforcement - Sent Using Google Toolbar

NY1: Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement
	Detectives Shoot Man In Brooklyn Investigation
August 02, 2008 A man who allegedly brandished a knife was shot by police investigators in Brooklyn Saturday morning. Two detectives arrived at 650 Decatur Street shortly before 9 a.m. to meet with 20-year-old Darryl Battle. They went to the rear of Battle's basement apartment to investigate a forged check that was cashed in Manhattan last month. The policemen said that Battle led them to a kitchen in the back, then took out an 11-inch knife and threatened them. One officer, a 21-year veteran, was allegedly cornered and shot Battle once in the chest. Police sources would not say whether there was an argument between Battle and the detectives. Battle was taken to Kings County Hospital, where he was declared dead. The two policemen were treated in Jamaica Hospital for trauma. The officers took breathalyzer tests, which confirmed they had no trace of blood alcohol content. Battle's relatives were surprised to hear the police force's story, and said that Battle was a calm person who stayed out of trouble. "I am disgusted with the outcome and I am disappointed that officers are still taking such drastic measures instead of using other means that they were also taught," said Sh'shonda Smith, Battle's niece. They say that the detectives spoke with Battle about the case earlier in the week, and they were invited to come back Saturday. "There was an investigation about some allegation of a check scam," said community activist Anthony Herbert. "Keep in mind in our society you are innocent until proven guilty. So quite frankly, as far as the family is concerned, he didn't do a thing." Battle, who turned 20 last Monday, leaves behind a six-month-old son. Neighbors say the shooting is continuing to fuel tensions between the police and the community. "Nobody wants to talk to the cops, even when something does happen," said a local. "We're not saying that all cops are bad, but it's just so bad around here with the cops that are bad." As of Saturday evening, police were still investigating the incident.