Savannah police have arrested and charged one of their own officers with murder after he shot and killed an unarmed, fleeing suspect. Officer Antonio Taharka was trying to arrest 41-year-old Anthony Smashum on charges of parole violation when Smashum fled on foot
Police say Taharka gave chase and caught up with the suspect, with a stuggled ensuing. They say Smashum again was able to get away, cutting through a house and over a fence. Officer Taharka ordered Smashum to stop, but the suspect continued fleeing. That's when, according to authorities, Taharka pulled his gun and fired at the unarmed man, hitting him first in the leg. Smashum still continued and Taharka fired again, this time in the back. Paramedics brought Smashum to a local hospital, but he did not survive.
Police Chief Michael Berkow says, Taharka was arrested on murder charges because state law allows police to use deadly force only when a life is in danger. The officer is being kept in protective custody with only a half-dozen other inmates in at the Chatham County jail
