MIAMI – The City of Miami Police Department fired an officer who shot and killed a man during a traffic stop in Feb. 2011.
The Department's Firearm Review Board ruled officer Reynaldo Goyos, a seven-year veteran, violated its "Deadly Force Policy."
Goyos was conducting surveillance at Take One Lounge, located at 333 NE 79th Street, on Feb. 10, 2011, with officers from several law enforcement departments.
Video surveillance showed Travis McNeil and Kareem Williams exit the lounge and walk to a sport utility vehicle parked on a side street, police say. Both men appeared drunk.
Goyos pulled the SUV over as the two men drove away, say police.
During the traffic stop, Goyos told McNeil to "show him his hands" and "don't do it," say police. Goyos then fired three times, killing McNeil and hitting Williams twice.
The board ruled Goyos acted in violation of the "Deadly Force Policy" because no one was in imminent danger when the shooting happened. The board also ruled Goyos never should have approached the vehicle. No weapons were found on McNeil or Williams.
"I think it's a long time coming," said Sheila McNeil, Travis' mother. "You hate to see anybody lose their livelihood but my child lost his life and I think it's a small price to pay for what happened to Travis that night."
McNeil was one of seven African-American men killed by City of Miami Police officers during seven months in late 2010 and early 2011.
"That was crazy for me but I'm glad the City of Miami saw it to do some good and correct something that was so wrong," said McNeil.
The Miami Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement Wednesday, saying in part: "Officer Goyos is not being fired for breaking the law or breaking the rules. He is being fired strictly because of politics within the City of Miami."