They might have, but that is just speculation. As far as we know, his felony and probation had absolutely nothing to do with the incident. It should not be used as any kind of justifications, because it is simply playing into the stereotype that "Black men are felons and should just be shot." I'm not saying that's right, but given the atmosphere of our society right now, you think y'all will be a little smarter with how you handle yourselves. Stick to the hard facts of the incident during that point in time, you're officers of the law. The past probably had absolutely nothing to do with it. This happened in one minute. If you think they did the right thing then there should be no reason to use his felony to justify it. "He was reaching for his gun" is worlds different than "He was reaching for his gun, and it turned out he was a felon carrying illegally so it's okay"

I just think it's not smart to mention it at all unless it came out that the officers absolutely without a doubt knew this before the incident took place. It is going to make you look racist, it is going to make this into a bigger race issue than it already is, and you will not be taken as seriously.