Jessica Schladebeck
New York Daily News
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A police department in Indiana released alarming bodycam footage of an officer mistakenly shooting his partner in the back while searching an apartment for a fugitive earlier this week.
Police officer Aaron Wright responded to a call for backup at a Lafayette apartment late Tuesday morning from fellow officers Lane Butler and Kurt Sinks, who were searching for a suspect with a criminal past including narcotics, weapons and violence, the Journal & Courier reported.
The officers did not find the wanted person, but they did encounter a 107-pound dog, which can be heard barking loudly in the body cam footage. According to authorities, the canine was acting aggressively at the time and managed to escape from its cage and lunge at the group of cops.
In their rush to get out of the home, police said Wright bumped into the front door and accidentally discharged his weapon, striking Butler in the back. She can be seen falling to the ground in the body cam video, with Wright immediately dropping down beside her to provide medical assistance.
“What happened? What happened?” officers can be heard shouting in the background.
The Lafayette Police Department’s review board determined the shooting was “not negligence, carelessness or otherwise reckless behavior. It was accidental,” Chief Patrick Flannelly told reporters during a press conference Friday night.
Butler, who was just a few days of shy of celebrating her third year on the force when the incident unfolded, is recovering at Franciscan Health Lafayette East, ABC News reported.
“We again just want to extend our prayers to her and her family and all of her loved one and let them know that they will have our continued support,” Flannelly added.
“We are thankful that she is doing well and improving. that’s the most important thing.”
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