A show of support for a South Miami man who was shot by a police officer during a traffic stop.
The victim's attorney said he was shot over possessing marijuana, but did not have any weapons or pose a threat to the officer.
A group met at a local church Tuesday and then marched to South Miami City Hall. They said they wanted to make their voices heard at the city commission meeting.
The group is outraged that Officer Aryo Rezaie is back on the job after shooting Michael Gavins. Gavins was pulled over two weeks ago for a traffic violation on U.S. 1, and was ultimately charged with possessing marijuana with an intent to distribute and resisting arrest without violence.
"He had only been suspended for three days and is back on the force. He needs to go," said Terri Vickers, protester.
Gavins' attorney said the officer shot his client in the chest for no reason, and Gavins said he was cooperating.
"I was doing everything he asked me to do. So I don't understand. I didn't deserve to be shot," Gavins said.
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According to the police report, the "officer observed Gavins reaching into the front of his waistband... gave him a verbal command to take his hands out but with negative results."
The officer was placed on a three-day administrative leave, but South Miami Police said he is now back on the street.
In an effort to be transparent, the police chief and city manager announced several recommended changes, including the purchase of body cameras for the police department. The chief said the officers should be wearing the cameras sometime next year, possibly around April.
As for Gavins investigation, it is now in the hands of Miami-Dade Police.
