ROANOKE, Va. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Roanoke branch of the NAACP want federal officials to investigate police practices in Roanoke County, where officers shot and killed a black teen in February.
In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s office, the groups requested more information about the death of 18-year-old Kionte Spencer.
Police say officers shot Spencer after he ignored their commands to drop a BB gun resembling a pistol. The Roanoke County Commonwealth’s Attorney said no charges will be filed against the officers.
The officers’ names and races haven’t been released.
The groups accused Roanoke County’s police practices of targeting minorities and people with disabilities.
A police spokeswoman said the officers were found to be justified in their actions and those determinations haven’t changed. A justice department spokesman says it’s reviewing the request.
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