West Olive(WZZM)- Some G-V-S-U students are demanding answers from the Ottawa County sheriff's department in protest of an officer involved shooting.
The students are angry over the off-campus shooting of 20-year old Derek Copp last week. Investigators confirm the student was un-armed.
Monday afternoon, the students met outside the sheriff's department yelling "We want the truth, we want the truth".
Fermin Valle says, "As every day goes on there's more and more concern." Valle and the other protestors want to know why Copp was shot when officers raided his apartment. Vanessa Crowley says, "Because all Derek did was raise his arm to cover his eyes. And they thought this was threatening enough to shoot him in the chest."
Investigators say the narcotics team was in the process of serving a search warrant for an on-going investigation. They won't say what prompted the officer to shoot. Ottawa County Under sheriff Greg Steigenga says, "But, ultimately that info will be brought forward. We're looking forward to getting many of those same answers as well." The investigation has been turned over to the Michigan State Police.
Derek Copp's family, meantime, has hired Grand Rapids Attorney, Fred Dilley. In a statement, he says, "We have some very important questions about what appears to be some shocking police activity." Dilley says his client is making a satisfactory, but guarded recovery. The bullet tore through his upper right lung and liver and damaged two ribs.
As for the protestors, their voices were heard by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department. After a brief meeting, they decided to sit down and discuss the issue as soon as the investigation is complete.
The officer involved in that shooting is a 12-year veteran of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department. He is currently on paid leave.
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