The man deceased, Juan Wu, 48, has been recognized by the Broward medical examiner.
According to Hollywood Police, an officer was assigned to N. 66th Terrace and Eaton St. to resolve a vandalism dispute between neighbors. While the officer was investigating the vandalism, authorities said a man began attacking the officer, resulting in a violent struggle. The family identified the man as Wu but told NBC6 a different narrative.
Wu’s brother, Juan Carlos de Peña, told NBC6 in Spanish that he is an Army veteran who had mental illness while serving. “They killed him knowing he was sick,” explained Juan Carlos. Juan Carlos believes Hollywood Police did not need to use deadly force, and his brother now leaves behind a toddler and his mother, who is facing cancer. “My brother is a good person; he doesn’t hurt anyone,” Juan Carlos stated.
Juan Carlos said his neighbors phoned the police on Thursday after Wu hit the nearby fence. He explained that the fence was bent and his brother had been suspected of vandalism. He stated that when the police arrived at their home, he entered without permission, and Wu requested him to leave. “My brother stated I won’t give you the ID because you can’t be in my home. “Leave,” Juan Carlos stated.
Juan Carlos reports the officer began yelling at Wu and then shot him with a taser. Juan Carlos informed NBC6 that his family is from the Dominican Republic, and no one in the household speaks English except Wu. Juan Carlos stated that he attempted to de-escalate the situation by informing the police in Spanish that his brother was sick, but the officer did not understand. “I am signaling to the police officer that my brother has mental problems,” Carlos added.
According to Hollywood Police, the officer was concerned for his life and discharged his weapon, striking Wu. Wu was pronounced dead in the hospital. According to his family, he leaves behind a child, two siblings, and their cancer-stricken mother. The FDLE has taken up the investigation.
