Moment US Cops Shoots Teen With Knife Suffering Mental Breakdown
This is the shocking moment a US cops shoots a 19-year-old man suffering a “mental breakdown” when he moves towards him with a large knife in his hand.
The officer-involved shooting took place in the municipality of Loveland in Larimer County in the US state of Colorado at around 7pm on 16th August.
Officer Eddie Luzon shot Alex Domina after he approached the cop with a knife in his hand.
Police chief Bob Ticer said: “We have provided you this information to build or enhance community trust in your police department.
“My goal is to ensure transparency this department owes the community while preserving the criminal investigatory process led by CIRT (Critical Incident Response Team).”
Alex’s grandmother and guardian Judy Domina called 911 to report that the teen was having a “mental breakdown” and was wrecking the home.
She said Alex grew angry when she asked him to carry out some jobs around the house, adding that he has been “institutionalised for years”.
She said Alex came to live with her family in June, but feels “he’s going to need to be committed”.
In the 911 call, she added: “Please, please handle him with care, he – it’s mental health.”
In the footage, Officer Luzon is seen confronting the knife-wielding teen in the back garden and asking: “Can you put the knife down for me and let’s just talk, man. I am not taking you anywhere dude, I just want to talk to you.”
Despite the cop’s attempts to calm down the teen, he starts advancing on the officer with the knife in his right hand.
After asking Alex to stop several times, the officer fires four shots, striking the teen who falls to the ground.
Officer Kerry Marion then arrives and the two cops start administering first aid to the teen, moaning and bleeding heavily on the ground.
She points out to paramedics on the scene that Alex was shot in the chest area and had stab wounds around his shoulder and arm.
Family lawyer Mari Newman said Alex’s relative watched the video just before the police made it public, adding: “It was excruciatingly difficult to watch.
“This tragic outcome highlights the need for first responders with mental health training for calls like this. Alex has undergone five surgeries so far, and remains in critical condition.
“Alex’s family appreciates the community’s continued support as Alex fights for his life.”
Ticer said the investigation into the officer-involved shooting is ongoing and the police department had yet to conclude whether Officer Luzon’s actions were consistent with the law.
