Pinellas leaders urge calm over Dawson shooting

Elected leaders from Pinellas County and St. Petersburg have released an open letter to the community urging a measured, calm response to the shooting of Javon Dawson and support for State Attorney Bernie McCabe's investigation.

McCabe's office is investigating the June 7 death of Dawson, 17, whom a St. Petersburg police officer shot outside a graduation party. Police say Dawson was firing a gun and pointed a gun at an officer. Dawson was shot in the shoulder and the back. His family says he did not have a gun when he was shot.

"The rule of law must be respected," wrote County Commissioner Ken Welch, St. Petersburg City Council members James Bennett, Karl Nurse and Wengay Newton, State. Rep. Daryl Rouson, and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, "and recent comments alluding to 'uprising' or violence are irresponsible."

Click here to download a copy of the letter (PDF).

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer