Howie Lake II, Blane Salamoni Identified As Officers Involved In Fatal Shooting Of Alton Sterling

Two Baton Rouge Police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black man outside of a convenience store in Louisiana early Tuesday have been identified.

Police Chief Carl Dabadie on Wednesday identified Blane Salamoni, a four-year veteran of the force, and Howie Lake II, a three-year veteran, as the officers involved in the death of 37-year-old Alton Sterling.

Sterling, who was armed with a gun in a state that allows open carry, was pinned to the ground by police before being shot.

The owner of the Triple S store where the shooting took place told The Advocate that Sterling didn't appear to be reaching for a gun.

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave.

In April 2015, Lake was given a certificate of commendation by the department. Salamoni was given a "life saving" award, according to the department's Facebook page.

James Durdin, the father-in-law of Salamoni, defended the officer's actions and blamed "the black people" for "making an agenda out of this," according to the New York Daily News.

“What I’d like to see is them with no police at all, so they can know what it’s like not to have them," Durdin said.