Trial finishes up for former Philadelphia police officer accused of killing unarmed Black man
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Monday, the former Philadelphia police officer accused of shooting and killing an unarmed Black man is back in court as his trial finishes up. CBS3 was told this is the first time in at least 40 years that an on-duty police officer has been on trial for murder.
Eric Ruch, Junior is charged with third-degree murder. He is accused of fatally shooting 25-year-old Dennis Plowden in December 2017.
Plowden was involved in a crash after allegedly running from officers.
They believed his car was tied to a murder investigation.
A brief chase ended in a crash. Testimony from other officers suggested Plowden posed a danger to police.
Ruch shot him, the bullet traveling through his hand and into his head.
Plowden was unarmed.
