The Eugene Civilian Review Board found Tuesday that an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a veteran was justified. Brian Babb was shot and killed by a Eugene Police officer responding to a 911 call on March 30th.
The CRB found that despite mistakes that were made during the police response and interaction with Babb, the officer's use of force was justified. Officer Stutesman said Babb pointed a gun at him. Eugene Police Auditor Mark Gissiner says before that there were many chances for a peaceful resolution.
Gissiner: "No one can predict that any deviation from what occurred would have changed the outcome of this but there was an opportunity for patience."
They don't say they're sorry. That's what hurts.
Captain Brian Babb was 49. He suffered from PTSD. He'd contacted his therapist that day in crisis. Babb's little sister Stephanie says the way police deal with veterans and mental health crises is not working.
Babb: "I'm surprised at how they can continue to say, we screwed up, and they can't be accountable and they don't say they're sorry. That's what hurts. Because you know what, this wasn't just a mistake. This is a body. This was my brother."
Stephanie Babb is advocating for a change to how law enforcement approaches crisis situations involving veterans. Her proposal is called Brian's Bill.
