IN WAKE OF KILLING BY COP, RECONCILIATION IS URGED

Two days after Chicago police shot and killed a South Side man during a
drug investigation, the victim's family continued Wednesday to challenge
authorities' account that the shooting was accidental, even as community
activists tried to bridge divisions between residents and police.

The shooting of Antione Thomas, 20, in a stairwell of a high-rise in the
Robert Taylor Homes, sparked protests Tuesday from family and residents
around Thomas' home in the 4100 block of South Federal Street. They called
for a fuller investigation and questioned reports from police that Thomas
was found with 33 bags of cocaine in his pockets.

On Wednesday, as police officials reiterated their determination that the
shooting was accidental, community activists who led Tuesday's rally
offered more conciliatory remarks.

"We've had time to pray about this and we want to bring everybody together
now," said Rev. Deborah Jones, youth minister at St. Elizabeth's Church,
where Thomas attended a youth counseling program. "We can't bring Antione
back, but we can keep more young black males from getting gunned down.
Maybe (police) have to change some of their ways and maybe we have to
change some of ours."

An autopsy concluded Thomas died from a gunshot wound to the head,
according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Police said an unnamed officer was investigating drug activity in a
building at 4022 S. State St. when he encountered Thomas and four or five
other men on a third-floor landing. The men allegedly tackled the officer
in an attempt to flee, police said, causing his gun to discharge and
striking Thomas.

Though Jones said Wednesday she hoped to sit down with police officials to
discuss easing tensions through the city's community policing program, the
victim's relatives continued to suggest police recklessness led to Thomas'
death.

"Antione never rushed the police. The police can't shoot anybody and just
give an explanation," said Thomas' sister, Latasha Thomas, 22. "My brother
didn't know there was police in the building."

A final conclusion on the shooting is subject to an ongoing inquiry by the
police Office of Professional Standards.