By Police1 Staff
WEST JORDAN, Utah — Police have released body camera footage capturing the July 10 shooting of a man who posted threats against police online and brandished a fake gun in a confrontation with an officer.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports Officer Ian Adams shot 32-year-old Timothy James Peterson after he grabbed a fake gun made of a bent piece of metal and a taped-on laser pointer.
The events leading up to the shooting began July 6, when Peterson’s ex-wife called police to report the man had visited her house late at night, despite being under a restraining order.
Peterson posted threats against police on Facebook the following day, writing, "... I’m going to shoot the cops if they come honest truth ill pay for a lie detector test right now i swear to god i will,” according to the report.
Police were informed of the threats by Peterson, and officers began searching for the suspect in an area where an officer had had previous contact with him.
Officer Adams was patrolling the area when he spotted Peterson and another man walking.
Peterson ran and the two engaged in a foot pursuit.
Peterson reached for the fake gun at his waist and Adams opened fire as the suspect pointed the instrument at him.
Adams fired 10 shots, hitting Peterson in the leg and buttocks with two shots.
Adams was cleared two weeks ago of any wrongdoing in the shooting. Police Chief Doug Diamond said in a news conference that officers “cannot wait until somebody actually shoots us” to open fire.
Peterson has been charged with assault against a police officer, unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon and failure to stop at the command of law enforcement, according to the report.