Friend Testifies In Cop Slaying Suspect's Trial

A family friend says a man accused of killing a Lakewood police officer said he opened fire because he feared the officer was reaching for his own gun.

Corey Rua, a longtime friend of Jahmell Crockam's (juh-MEL' KRAHK'-um) mother, testified Thursday that Crockam felt he was in a kill-or-be-killed situation.

Crockam's lawyer questioned Rua's credibility, noting Rua had spent 10 years in prison for numerous drug offenses.

Crockam is charged with murdering Patrolman Christopher Matlosz (MATT'-lohs) on Jan. 14. 2011.

Prosecutors say Crockam killed the officer to avoid going to jail on outstanding arrest warrants.

Crockam's lawyer says police arrested the wrong man, claiming no one has been able to reliably identify Crockam as the shooter. Two people have testified they saw Crockam shoot the officer three times.