Sacramento City Council Changes Mind On Watching Video Of Officer-Involved Shooting

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Behind closed doors, most of the Sacramento City Council, the Mayor, and the Chief of Police talked for more than an hour. The topic, a pending lawsuit against the city pertaining to the death of a black man at the hands of police officers.

"[They] decided not to view any of the detail of the police shooting, Mr. Mann's incident," said city attorney Jim Sanchez.

By law, Sanchez couldn't discuss what was talked about in the closed session, but says the council wasn't provided with information pertaining to the Joseph Mann case.

"To do otherwise presents a situation where they may comment or take positions without factual basis," said Sanchez.

According to public documents, Mann was shot at least 16 times by Officer John Tennis and Officer Randy Lozoya. They both have more than 24 years with the department.

"We will allow the investigation to take it's course and provide a complete picture of all of the facts before the city will make any further comments on the case," said Sanchez.

"It was bam bam bam bam. Just multiple shots," described a witness in the area on July 11th when Mann was shot.

Police say Mann had a knife and was acting erratically. The family, and their attorney see the events differently.

"The police acted wrongfully and created a confrontation where they didn't have to," said John Burris, an attorney for the Mann family.

Burris provided bystander video to media. He says any other video from the investigation should be made public.

"In the interest of transparency, the family at the very least should have an opportunity to see the video," said Burris.

According to public documents, Neither officer was wearing body worn cameras at the time of the incident.

"If they have a video that contradicts that, the public should see it ASAP," said Burris.

The criminal investigation has concluded. A final report was sent to the District Attorney's office on Tuesday for review. A civil case against the city and police department is still being investigated, according to Sanchez.