Reported by: Karen Hopkins
Friday, Mar 5, 2010 @09:33pm
A family is in tears tonight after a police officer shot and killed their loved one. It all began early Friday morning in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood on Gideon street. During a domestic violence call, police say Alberta Brooks attacked an officer with a screwdriver. The officer tased Brooks, but he would not back down. Authorities say that's when the officer shot him three times. Brooks later died at LSU hospital. The officer is on administrative leave. Brooks is the 5th person to die this year in Shreveport, after a domestic argument. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with his family about what went wrong, and how anyone can learn from this tragedy. “He's the only cousin I ever cared about.” Edward Epperson's cousin, Alberta Brooks, is gone forever. Shreveport police say Brooks got into an argument and beat his girlfriend. She called for help. Next, police say Brooks attacked an officer with a screw driver. That's when the officer shot him three times, killing him.”Sometimes you don't know when someone's in trouble." “This is about Shreveport-Bossier, this is happening right here." Domestic violence program manager Shirley Stewart says Louisiana ranks #1 in the nation for women murdered by male partners. She says warning signs are often ignored or kept secret. “There are women right here, living among us. Our neighbors, friends, church members, coworkers who are living with domestic violence.” No one has to live that way. Stewart says the Providence House helpline offers 24-hour guidance for victims. (318-698-7273) Women can live at Shreveport’s safe house and receive counseling, free for 45 days. Epperson says do something. Before it goes too far. “I just can't believe that would happen."
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