Video shows DeSoto officers shoot, kill man armed with 2 knives
DeSOTO, Texas - The DeSoto Police Department released video of a deadly shooting involving a suspect armed with multiple knives.
Family members who attended the news conference on Monday morning said even after watching the video, they still have questions.
The Backstory
The shooting happened this past Friday around 11 a.m. at a home on Hunter’s Creek.
DeSoto Police Chief Joseph Costa said 26-year-old Arthur Armstrong Jr. called 911 and then hung up. When dispatchers called him back, Armstrong claimed he had several weapons and wanted to harm police.
"DeSoto Police Department patrol officers responded to the location after a second caller confirmed that Armstrong was at the location with multiple other residents. The caller stated that Armstrong had mental issues and was armed with a knife and wouldn’t put it down," Chief Costa said.
Knife-wielding man who 'wanted to harm police' shot and killed by DeSoto police officer
DeSoto police say the man was holding two knives and "immediately approached officers aggressively" when they arrived. They say officers gave several commands to stop and drop the weapons, but he refused. He was shot once in the chest.
The chief said three officers went to the home. They found the suspect in the front yard carrying two knives.
"As Armstrong approached the officers armed with a knife in each hand, he disregarded multiple commands from officers to stop and drop the weapons," Costa said. "As Armstrong continued to close the distance between himself and officers, one DeSoto fired a single round from a patrol rifle, striking Armstrong in the chest."
Armstrong was taken to the hospital but did not survive the shooting.
The Video
The police department released a 40-second clip from an officer’s body camera that clearly shows Armstrong approaching with knives in hand.
"This video depicts the time when Armstrong turned his attention from the first officer and approached the second responding officers," Costa explained.
Officers can be heard repeatedly telling him to "drop the knife" while witnesses in the background screamed because of the escalating situation.
The video shows Armstrong falling back after one shot is fired.
The police department edited the video clip to blur faces and license plates, the chief said.
What People Are Saying
Armstrong’s family attended the news conference and spoke to the media after the video was shown.
They said police knew about Armstrong’s mental health issues because they had dealt with him for similar issues in the past.
Attorney Charles Boyce said he was Armstrong’s godfather.
"What I can say for the family is that we’re having a hard time understanding. Let’s be clear about something. This was a mental health issue. This was a mental health crisis that was going on," he said. "We’re having a hard time understanding why this outcome had to be… why the level of force?"
State Rep. Carl O. Sherman, who was related to Armstrong, also attended the news conference in support of the family.
"I’m not here as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. I’m here on behalf of my family. We’re grieving right now. We can’t bring AJ back," Sherman said.
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Chief Costa and DeSoto Mayor Pro Temp Leticia Hughes encouraged them to wait for the outcome of the investigation.
"Any loss of life is a tragedy, and we recognize the profound grief this causes for the family, friends and the entire community. This is a tragic and serious incident. At this time, the investigation is ongoing and we are committed to being transparent to the public as facts emerge. We ask for patience as we ensure the process is thorough and fair," Hughes said.
"We understand the profound impact incidents like this have on our community, the individuals involved and their families. The DeSoto Police Department has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and we are committed to sharing information as it becomes available," Costa said.
What’s Next
The Grand Prairie Police Department has taken over the criminal investigation, and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office’s Public Integrity Unit will conduct an independent review of the police response.
The officer who fired shots has been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.