The New Mexico police department has released body camera footage showing officers fatally shooting a homeowner after responding to the wrong residence.
Farmington Police Department Chief Steve Hebbe posted a statement on the department’s Facebook page in which he said, “We all recognize the gravity of this incident.” The statement continued, “We will do everything possible to ensure a fuller understanding of what transpired.” “I believe the footage will aid in gaining a deeper understanding of what occurred.”
Mexico Police Respond To Domestic Violence Call
On April 5, at approximately 11:30 pm, officers were dispatched to the neighborhood in response to reports of domestic violence.
The video captured by an officer’s body camera during the incident and released by the department on Friday shows responding officers approaching the front door of a residence while the house number is illuminated by a light.
The video depicts law enforcement knocking three times prior to revealing their identities.
Read more: Virginia School Shooting: Mother Of 6-Year-Old Shooter Claims Post-Partum Depression
Shooting Officers Placed On Administrative Leave
After receiving no response at the front door, one of the officers contacts dispatch to confirm the residence’s address and requests that the person who dialed 911 be instructed to come to the front door. The dispatcher provides the address of the house directly across the street from the residence to which the police responded.
A few moments later, the armed homeowner opened the door, and officers were seen shooting him as he stood there.
The homeowner is then observed to have fallen to the ground.
The video depicts the police officers backing away from the house as a woman’s screams can be heard emanating from within.
According to police, the homeowner’s wife was also armed, and she fired shots from the front door without knowing who was outside.
The woman was not injured by the police’s return fire.
In addition, dispatchers received a panicked phone call from the daughter of the recently deceased homeowner.
The three unidentified officers who were involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. The investigation into the shooting is currently ongoing.
Read more: NYPD Captain Accused Of Sending Explicit Photos And Soliciting Panties From Female Detective
