Trending Topics

BWC: Dallas officers rescue hostage, attempt to de-escalate before fatal OIS of armed man

After nearly an hour of speaking with the suspect and using less lethal devices, the man charged at officers with a knife, leading to the shooting

By Joanna Putman
Police1

DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department has released body camera footage showing the moments leading up to a fatal police shooting of a man who threatened a woman and ran at officers with a knife, NBC DFW reported.

Trending
From a new roller skate unit to “free” helicopter rides to jail, law enforcement used satire to connect with their communities
The suspect had been harassing people in an apartment complex when the Stuart Police officer arrived to intervene; the suspect then charged at him, leading to the shooting
Mikal Mahdi was sentenced to death for the 2004 killing of Orangeburg Officer James Myers, whom he ambushed and shot at least eight times
Often called the “Sherlock Holmes of France,” Dr. Edmond Locard was one of the first to demonstrate that no crime scene is ever truly “clean”

The June 28 incident occurred after a 911 call reported that a man with a knife and machete was threatening a woman and a dog in a tent, according to the report.

When officers arrived at the scene, they located the suspect and the woman, who was injured. Body camera video released on July 1 shows the woman indicating that the suspect was armed. Officers instructed the suspect to drop the weapon and exit the tent, but he refused. After multiple commands, the woman exited the tent and was assisted by officers.

After the suspect continued to refuse to exit the tent, officers used less lethal methods, including pepper spray, a TASER and a 44mm stinger. The suspect still did not comply and threw a knife in the direction of officers.

After about 50 minutes of attempted de-escalation, the suspect can be heard shouting, “Why don’t you all just kill me then?” and charged at the officers with another knife.

Two officers fired at the suspect, hitting him at least once, according to the report. Officers provided first aid until paramedics from Dallas Fire-Rescue arrived. The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The woman was also hospitalized for minor injuries and is expected to recover.

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia emphasized that officers used non-lethal methods before resorting to lethal force.

“They tried utilizing talking him down. They utilized a TASER, they utilized a less-lethal foam round on the individual, and still, nothing,” Garcia said. “So, in defense of their lives, is why they decided to do that. It’s a tragedy for everyone.”