Alton Sterling is a 37-year-old man who was shot and killed by Louisiana Police early Tuesday morning. He was held down and shot multiple times outside of a Baton Rouge convenience story, according to a graphic video. Sterling was restrained, tased and despite being subdued by two police officers he was still shot.
An anonymous caller phoned police after seeing him reportedly in possession of a weapon. Officers responded to the ‘Triple S’ store about 12:35 a.m. Tuesday after the anonymous caller said a man selling CDs and wearing a red shirt threatened him with a gun, said Baton Rouge Cpl. L’Jean McKneely.
In the video, you can see two police officers tackling and wrestling a larger man in a red shirt against the hood of a car before throwing him to the pavement.
It’s unclear how Sterling obtained the gun. His police record dates back two decades with several charges including drug, firearm, theft and assault arrests. He was sentenced to five years to prison for marijuana and weapon possession in 2009, the Louisiana Advocate reported. Louisiana state law says gun owners are allowed to carry weapons without a permit as long as they’re over 18 and not felons.
A native son of Baton Rogue, former NBA player and LSU star Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis says he new Sterling. He also says Sterling was a gentle giant and wouldn’t harm anyone.
Davis said the following courtesy of TMZ Sports.
NBA player Glen “Big Baby” Davis says he knew Alton Sterling — the man killed on video by police in Baton Rouge — and tells TMZ Sports he was a “Great guy” who “wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Davis — who grew up in Baton Rouge — met “Big Alton” years ago and would sometimes give him CDs to sell to help promote Davis’ music. Davis says it wasn’t just promotion, but it was a way to help Alton make a living for his family.
Davis says the two got to know each other — and he has nothing but glowing words for the 37-year-old.
“Great guy, big personality. CDs were his way to make income to support his family. Not a guy who would use violence at all.”Sterling’s shooting has reignited the national conversation about police brutality, and with protests in Baton Rouge threatening to spiral out of control … Davis urged athletes from the area to get involved to help keep the peace.
“People from the city who have a voice should speak up. I’m sure Mayor Kip Holden and those guys are taking good care of things, but it’s important for people who come from there to show love.”
Baton Rouge is just 80 miles away from New Orleans, a sight of another high profile gun crime. Earlier this year, former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Will Smith was shot and killed after a road rage incident. Details for that case are very murky but the fact is, there was a murder due to gun violence.
Davis knows about the violence going on in the area he grew up. He wants it to stop and the people of Baton Rouge have already started to take the streets to protest. Changes may soon be coming.
