TITUSVILLE, Fla. – It’s been six days since the city of Titusville says officers shot a 25-year-old man with a gun, Tri-Marea Charles.
Police haven’t said exactly what happened, but as the community awaits the findings of the FDLE investigation, the mayor is calling for unity.
Mayor Andrew Connors talked to News 6 reporter James Sparvero after an emotional city council meeting this week when Charles’ family and supporters spoke out and Connors recessed the meeting for a half hour to regain control of the meeting.
Thursday, Connors planned on trying to calm tensions by speaking during the city’s NAACP meeting at the Gibson Community Center.
“For me, it’s about making sure every citizen in Titusville feels heard. We gave people the opportunity to express themselves,” he said about Tuesday night.
Connors reiterated the investigation is out of the hands of the city.
“At the end of the day, we gotta let the investigation play out,” he said. “Once that happens, then we’ll be transparent and as clear, and let everybody know what happened, and let them know we’re here for them during this tough time.”
Police haven’t said what the suspicious incident was that brought them to Robbins Avenue, or if Tri-Marea Charles pointed the gun at them.
Dispatch recordings from last Friday night showed police called for help to control the crowd after the shooting.
“Titusville, I need S.O. [sheriff’s office] units here, immediately, if we’re gonna need a perimeter,” an officer said. “Tell them step it up!”
In addition to the mayor, the city said that Titusville’s police chief, John Lau, is expected to talk at Thursday night’s NAACP meeting. It starts at the Gibson Community Center at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.
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