The police officer accused of shooting Chris Kaba in south London in September last year has been charged with murder, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Expectant father Mr Kaba, 24, was shot once in the head by a firearms officer in Streatham after his car was boxed in by officers tailing him through Kirkstall Gardens on September 5, 2022.
The murder charge comes after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The officer, who cannot be named at this stage for legal reasons, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The officer had been suspended from duty while the IOPC carried out its investigation.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Following a thorough review of the evidence provided by the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct), the CPS has authorised a charge of murder against a Metropolitan Police officer following the death of Chris Kaba.
“Mr Kaba died on 6 September 2022 after he was struck by a single bullet in Streatham Hill, south London.
“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the officer are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap said: “We have fully supported the IOPC investigation as it has worked to establish the facts.
“Today’s announcement is a significant and serious development. We must now allow the court process to run its course so it would not be appropriate for me to say more at this stage.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this case.”
The IOPC said Mr Kaba’s family had been informed of the murder charge on Wednesday morning.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “The officer and Mr Kaba’s family were notified of the decision by the CPS this morning.
“The officer, who we are unable to name for legal reasons at this time, will be appearing at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Kaba’s family and everyone affected by this tragic incident.”
The Met Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said it would not comment on the specifics of the case, but added: “The officer in question retains our full support as we now go through the legal process.”
It is rare for police officers to be charged with murder or manslaughter.
According to the charity Inquest, since 1990 there have been 1,869 deaths in or following police custody in England and Wales.
Of those, there have been 12 cases where an officer has been charged with murder or manslaughter.
