Decatur’s police chief on Monday said his department would not be releasing body cam footage in the case of Stephen Perkins, who was shot to death by an officer on Friday, claiming the law prevents him from doing so.

About 100 people demonstrated at Decatur City Hall over the weekend in the wake of Perkins’ death, urging authorities to release the footage, according to the Decatur Daily.

“Please understand that I am in a difficult position of trying to juggle the public’s demands for transparency and adhering to the rules of criminal procedure while not jeopardizing the integrity of the investigation,” Chief Todd Pinion said in a videotaped statement released on the department’s Facebook page.

The Alabama Legislature enacted legislation earlier this year that does not require law enforcement agencies to release footage.

Pinion said the decision whether to release the footage in the case of 39-year-old Stephen Perkins, who was fatally shot by an officer on Friday, rests with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which is conducting the investigation.

“It would be improper and irresponsible for me to comment on the evidence in this case and cannot legally release any evidence in the case,” the chief maintained.

Pinion also said he would not comment on the investigation until it is completed, at which time ALEA and the Morgan County District Attorney’s Office will decide whether to send the case to a grand jury.

“I have full confidence in ALEA to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and will respect their findings when the investigation process is complete,” he said.

According to Decatur police, the incident that led to Perkins’ death happened at about 1:30 a.m Friday.

Police were called to a residence in the 3900 block of Ryan Ave. S.W. after a tow truck driver told officers a homeowner had pulled a gun on him. The driver told police he had attempted to repossess a vehicle from the homeowner.

When officers arrived at the residence, along with the tow truck driver, the homeowner, identified as Perkins, exited the residence armed with a handgun and began to threaten the tow truck driver.

According to police, officers ordered the homeowner to drop his weapon. Then the homeowner turned the gun on one of the officers, who shot him.

Perkins, 39, was transported to Huntsville Hospital where he died.

According to ALEA, Perkins was armed with a handgun that was also equipped with a light.

No officers were injured during the incident.

The officer has been placed on administrative leave, Decatur police said. Once an investigation is complete, results will be turned over to the Morgan County District Attorney.