By Ashley Silver
Police1
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Police recently released bodycam footage showing a suspect attempting to grab an officer’s gun during a traffic stop.
According to WRIC News, the incident began after a VCU police officer attempted to stop a vehicle that was observed driving at 50 mph in a 25 mph zone. The driver of the vehicle, 31-year-old Paul Willis IV, initially refused to stop for the officer. After finally pulling over, as the officer approached the car, Willis exited his vehicle and failed to follow the officer’s commands.
Bodycam footage shows the officer repeatedly telling Willis to “have a seat.” Willis initially fails to comply, but eventually concedes and states, “OK, OK, I’ll sit in the car.” At that point, Willis can be seen making a quick lunge toward the officer and reaching for something off-camera. According to VCU Police, Willis was reaching for the officer’s firearm.
The officer can also be heard saying, “He’s trying to grab my gun, he’s trying to grab my gun.”
Willis was charged with obstruction of justice and a felony count of assault and battery on a law enforcement officer. The incident remains under investigation.