DAYTON, Ohio -- Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl said one of his commanders recommended that a rookie police officer be released from the force just days before he shot and killed a man during an armed robbery investigation.

Officer Jack Brooks, 22, shot and killed 35-year-old Ricky Moore last Saturday night.

WEB EXTRA: Probationary Release Documents -- Document 1 | Document 2

Chief Biehl said witnesses told police Moore knocked the officer to the ground and punched him. Biehl said Officer Brooks told investigators that he lost his stun-gun while wrestling with Moore. He said he shot Moore because the man appeared to be holding a gun.

Beihl said he signed a probation release , the term used for firing a rookie officer, a week ago today saying Brooks," made poor decisions which affected both his safety and the safety of others." However, the Chief said the paperwork was not immediately forwarded to the City Manager because of the latest in the day.

The following night Brooks was involved in the shooting, which is still under investigation.

Moore's sister said Thursday that Officer Brooks should have never been allowed to remain on the street. Jermaine Moore said, "If you made your mind up to fire this man, why would you put him in a cruiser?"

In an email to News Center 7 and whiotv.com, a friend of Officer Brooks describes him as "an intelligent young man with strong character and a willingness to do the right thing." His only mistake, she said, was being in tremendous fear in the situation.

The recommendation for Brooks' termination has been forwarded to City Manager Rashad Young, who will make the final decision.