By Police1 Staff
VINELAND, N.J. — Prosecutors released body cam footage Thursday of New Jersey officers fatally shooting a man who told police he was carrying an explosive device.
On Saturday, Vineland officers responded to a report of a suspicious man when they encountered 27-year-old Rashaun Washington, WPVI reported. Police said Washington appeared disoriented and refused to take instruction from officers.
Washington is seen on video holding an object covered in a shirt, according to WHYY. While talking to police, Washington is heard telling police about his girlfriend, who left him, and that he doesn’t “want to be here no more.”
According to investigators, Washington told officers he had an explosive device wrapped in a t-shirt he was holding. Police attempted to get Washington to drop the object he was holding, but the suspect refused.
Washington moves slowly toward an officer, beginning to dash, when he is shot three times. A K-9 and pepper spray were also used to subdue Washington, who later died of his injuries.
Police found a pair of garden shears in the shirt he was carrying, according to NJ.com. The county prosecutor’s officer said they are investigating the shooting.