Richmond VA Police Officer Who Shot Unarmed HS Teacher On I-95 Monday Identified

The Richmond Police officer who shot and killed Marcus-David Lamar Peters on Interstate 95 Monday night was identified by authorities as Officer Michael Nyantakyi.

Nyantakyi is a ten-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department. He remains on administrative leave while police investigate the shooting, according to Richmond Police.

Nyantakyi shot Marcus-David Lamar Peters, a 24-year-old Essex County high school teacher, during a strange encounter on the interstate.

Ultimately, Peters was not found to be in the possession of a firearm.

Peters was observed driving a sedan that struck another vehicle at the intersection of W. Franklin and N. Belvidere Streets, according to the Richmond Police Department. Peters fled the scene in his vehicle, and an Richmond Police officer pursued Peters north and onto the I-95 on-ramp. Police said that Peters lost control of his vehicle after he struck two other vehicles on the on-ramp, emerged from his disabled vehicle, and ran into the northbound lanes of I-95. source

Peters was not wearing any clothing at the time of the incident, according to police.

Peters ran back towards the on-ramp and charged the Richmond Police officer, who deployed his Taser in an effort to disable Peters, police said.

Nyantakyi then discharged his service weapon, striking Peters.

Peters was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead