By Police1 Staff
TULSA, Okla. — A man armed with two knives was fatally shot by police after they attempted to take him in for a court-ordered mental evaluation.
According to Newson6, deputies were making their fourth attempt in 10 days to take Joshua Anthony Barre in for a mental evaluation on June 9 when he left the house armed with two knives.
Deputies ordered Barre, 29, to drop his weapons, but he refused and threatened to kill the officers, Fox 23 reported. Police followed him until he approached a convenience store with people inside, prompting a deputy to deploy his TASER. It had no effect.
When Barre attempted to enter the store, police opened fire. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Fox 23.
The ACLU of Oklahoma called for a third party investigation, citing past investigations as a reason. Crowds gathered at the scene Friday to protest the shooting as well.
Family members told KJRH that Barre suffered from Bipolar Disorder and needed his medication refilled.
The Mental Health Association of Oklahoma issued a statement saying they will “continue to provide support and training” to law enforcement.
“They have recognized and embraced the critical need for additional training to help interact safely and effectively with individuals living with severe, untreated mental illness, who come into their purview during periods of crisis.”
Per policy, the officers involved are currently on leave pending the investigation.