Arizona Daily Sun
FLAGSTAFF, Az. — The Flagstaff Police Department released body cam video from five officers, as well as surveillance video from the El Tapatio Mexican restaurant, from Saturday’s officer-involved shooting.
Jose Padilla, 18, was arrested after officers shot tear gas into the storage container in which he was hiding behind the restaurant, and the suspect and officers exchanged gunfire. Padilla had reportedly been on the roof of a home trying to enter and was later seen running through the area with a gun. Officers had also been attempting to locate Padilla in connection with an aggravated assault investigation, according to a media release.
Employees of the restaurant told officers Padilla was hiding in the metal storage box behind the building around 1 p.m. The detective investigating that case was told Padilla had made comments he planned to commit suicide by cop, and after coming out with the gun to his head, Padilla went back into the storage container and shut the door.
Around 4 p.m., a SWAT team member shot tear gas into the storage container. The body cam video shows Padilla then pointing his gun out of the door toward the officers and began shooting at them. Four members of the SWAT team returned fire, and Padilla again fired at the officers who responded with a second round of shots.
Padilla was removed from the storage unit and the Flagstaff Fire Department Medics began providing medical treatment to Padilla, who sustained non life-threatening injuries. Padilla was transported to the hospital, where he was treated, released and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on charges including attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, endangerment and weapons misconduct.
Officer Jordan Schiffman was injured by shrapnel during the exchange of gunfire and was transported to the hospital. The four members of the SWAT Team who fired their weapons in response to Padilla firing his gun at them are Sgt. Collin Seay, Officer Christopher Waters, Officer Ryan Priest and Officer Matthew Beckham.
The officers have been placed on administrative leave, as is routine in an officer-involved shooting investigation. The Northern Arizona Shoot Team is conducting the criminal investigation with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office taking the lead.