Police officer shot to death unarmed man in Texas and part of the incident was captured on video. According to the reports, the family called 911 to ask for mental health help and the police officer was the first one to arrive on the scene.
The victim was 52-year-old Patrick W from Texas. Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt released doorbell and smart phone footage of the moments leading up to the killing of Patrick.
The footage also includes the immediate aftermath of the shooting, which Patrick’s family witnessed.
“I told you, don’t use a gun,” Patrick’s son repeats to the officer, the officer who shot Patrick, according to a statement from the police.
The shooting occurred at about 6:00 p.m., according to the statement.
The statement notes the officer has been with the department for five years. He has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation into the shooting — being conducted by the Texas Rangers — continues. Internal Affairs Unit will be conducting its own investigation into the fatal encounter.
Police received a 911 call from Patrick’s residence that day, which is described in the statement as a “psychiatric call.”
The statement continues: “Upon the officer’s arrival, he encountered an emotionally distressed man. The officer initially used his conducted energy weapon, which was ineffective, and then discharged his duty weapon during the encounter, striking the subject.”
The victim was transported to the nearest hospital but died shortly after.
In a statement issued few days later, Merritt, who is representing Patrick’s family, said, “A mental health call should not be a death sentence.”
According to Merritt, the family was told a mental health deputy wasn’t available so local police officers were sent to the home instead.
The disturbing video of the shooting shows the officer walking up to the front door. The edited footage then shows the officer walking out of the house. He is followed by Patrick, who raises his hands in the air as he walks toward the policeman.
The actual shooting was not captured on video, but contains audio of three shots being fired. Relatives can also be heard telling Patrick to “sit down” during the fatal incident.
The police officer could not be reached for comment.
Since the incident, no more details have been released.
The video of the incident can be found on the following link.
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