Family reacts to deadly officer-involved shooting in South Bend

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It was an emotional day for family and neighbors Friday afternoon after South Bend Police shot and killed Dante Kittrell.

His family told ABC57 news they’re heartbroken after the deadly police shooting claimed the life of the 52-year-old man.

Jeremiah Kittrell, the brother of the victim, is currently an intern at ABC57.

“[I'm] not too good but how I look at it is there’s nothing much I can do about it,” said Jeremiah Kittrell.

He said he was shaken up when he got the news his brother Dante had been shot and killed by police Friday afternoon.

“All I know is that he was waiving something around, around his head and they were at it for an hour, him and the police. After that something happened, and they shot him.”

Kittrell said his brother suffered from mental health issues.

“He definitely did have a little bit of Schizophrenia, but he was a joyful guy to be around,” he explained. “It’s sad…It all really depended on him and as much as I would like to say I wish it wouldn’t have been like this, things happen.”

Neighbors were also uneasy following a shooting so close to home, outside Coquillard Elementary School.

“Any time bullets flying in your vicinity it’s scary,” said Omar Addullah, a neighbor who lives nearby. “Luckily school wasn’t in session but it’s scary and it’s letting you know it’s out there.”

As family and friends grapple with Friday’s tragedy Jeremiah said he’s is trying remember his brother in a positive light

“He was a jokester. That’s where I kind of get my humor from so but not he was a great brother he was someone that I was actually very close to.”

The deadly police shooting is being investigated by the St. Joseph County Police Department and Mishawaka Police.