It's like BS already stated. This is just an igniter for something they already wanted to do. None of them could name the guy who was shot.
Remember, when a robber is fleeing and has a gun, the cop has to wait until the robber points the gun and cocks the hammer (maybe even takes a shot) before the cop can return fire. Maybe even if the robber shoots first and misses, it could be said that he was only trying to scare the officer, not harm him. Thugs are so misunderstood.