Chicago police officers cleared in 2016 shooting of black man

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability has cleared two officers of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of an African-American man in a majority white Southwest Side neighborhood.

Chicago police contended Joshua Beal was shot to death in 2016 after an off-duty Chicago firefighter argued with motorists who were blocking a fire lane during a funeral procession. They say two officers, both of whom were off-duty, opened fire when Beal grabbed a gun from a car and pointed it at the officers.

The oversight agency concluded the off-duty officer who fired, Joseph Treacy, was reasonable in believing the use of deadly force was necessary.

The shooting sparked demonstrations by those who denounced the shooting and others who supported the officers.

Beal's fiancee, Ashley Phifer, and children are suing the department and the two officers involved in the shooting.