Chicago police chief fired over death of teenager

(BBC) Chicago’s police chief has been fired following the outcry over the fatal shooting of a black teenager by a police officer.

The city’s mayor, Rahm Emanuel, told reporters he had dismissed Superintendent Garry McCarthy because of an erosion in public trust.

A black 17-year-old, Laquan McDonald, was shot 16 times by a white police officer in October 2014.

Officer Jason Van Dyke has been charged with first-degree murder.

“This is not the end of the problem but it’s the beginning to the solution of the problem,” said Mr Emanuel.

“It’s time for fresh eyes and new leadership to confront the challenges.”

Mr Emanuel appointed the city’s chief of detectives, John Escalante, to oversee the police department until they find a permanent replacement.

There had been calls for Mr McCarthy’s resignation leading up to the mayor’s announcement.

Mr McCarthy has served as police chief since 2011.

Chicago recently released police dashcam video of McDonald’s shooting, sparking days of mostly peaceful protests.

Mr Emanuel has established a new task force on police accountability to improve oversight and evaluate officers and videos of police-involved violent incidents.

McDonald’s death requires “more than words”, the mayor said.