A spokesman for the Bronx District Attorney’s Office said this morning that the October fatal shooting of a New York City man during a fight with a Pelham Manor police officer is still under review.
Steven Reed said that the office is waiting for analysis of forensic evidence in the matter of Wardell Johnson’s death during a struggle in a Bronx backyard with Officer Kenneth Stretz.
Pelham police said Stretz had tried to stop Johnson who was illegally riding an ATV on the Boston Post Road. Johnson fled into the Bronx, leaving the ATV near Baychester Avenue with Stretz in pursuit.
During a struggle in an Edson Avenue backyard, Stretz’s gun went off, fatally wounding Johnson. Stretz’s pepper spray and baton and gun were found in various parts of the backyard.
The Bronx District Attorney is evaluating what if any culpability Streitz has in the death of Johnson.
