The body of Thomas Haskins was a day away from being cremated – and his closest kin didn’t even know he was dead.Police identified both the officer and victim of police action shooting that followed a traffic stop and foot pursuit Saturday.
Officer Anthony M. Shefferly remains on paid administrative leave after shooting 18-year-old Micquail L. Thomas at Hanna and East Leith streets, Fort Wayne police said in a statement released Monday.
Shefferly, who was hired in October 2007, has been working second shift on the city’s southeast side for more than a year.
His personnel file includes a letter of reprimand and a suspension for police vehicle accidents in 2011.
He has no commendations.
Thomas remained hospitalized in serious condition Monday, police said. He does not appear to have a criminal background.
Police did not say why Shefferly originally stopped Thomas, who was riding a moped, but Chief Rusty York told The Journal Gazette that the shooting appears to be justified.
During the traffic stop, Thomas attempted to flee on foot and Shefferly pursued. He turned toward Shefferly with a gun in his hands and Shefferly shot him in the arm and buttocks, York previously said.
Thomas fell to the ground, and near him, police found a stolen pistol. The man did not fire at the officer during the pursuit, police previously said.
York said he expects Thomas will face charges stemming from the incident.
