By Joanna Putman
Police1
DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department has released surveillance and body camera video of a shooting that wounded an officer, NBCDFW reported.
The shooting occurred March 14 when an officer in an unmarked car observed a blue Chevrolet Camaro driving recklessly, according to the report. The officer began to follow the vehicle.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect vehicle making a U-turn. As the vehicle drives past the unmarked police car, several shots can be heard.
The driver, now identified as Jaheart Nickleberry, 17, fired 5 shots at the police vehicle, according to the report. One of the rounds struck the officer in the hip.
“We are lucky we did not lose a Dallas officer that day,” Chief Eddie Garcia said. “Whether Nickleberry knew a Dallas police officer was inside that car or not, he fired into an occupied vehicle showing no regard for human life. This is the type of crime that our men and women work every day to prevent to put this type of violent criminal behind bars to make our streets safer.”
Body camera video shows Nickleberry’s arrest as he attempted to flee from officers. He stopped the car and appeared to be holding a handgun as he exited. A police helicopter followed his location, and officers were able to apprehend him and place him under arrest.
At the time of the shooting, there were five other teenagers in the Camaro, which was stolen, according to the report. Two fled the car along with Nickleberry; one was captured and charged with evading, while the other has not been identified. The three who remained in the vehicle were not charged.
Nickleberry faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and evading arrest, according to the report.