Truth revealed: Indiana bodycam footage sheds light on officer-involved-shooting of suspect reaching for gun

FORT WAYNE, IN - Bodycam footage was released Tuesday by the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD), shedding light on the Saturday officer-involved shooting death of Linzell Parhm. The release came following a public promise from Mayor Sharon Tucker after Parhm's family was able to view it.

During a traffic stop at approximately 10:31 p.m. Saturday, a Fort Wayne police officer pulled over a red vehicle and observed the occupant of the front passenger seat, identified as Parhm, with a Draco AK pistol within reach.
 

Linzell Parhm’s 7.62mm Draco AK Pistol with 30-round magazine: pic.twitter.com/LxaUChlqSL

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As reported by WFFT, the footage shows the officer greeting Parhm, "Hey there," and ordering him to place his hands on the vehicle's dashboard. Fort Wayne PD spokesman Sgt. Jeremy Webb narrated over the video:

"The officer, fearing for his life and safety, repeatedly ordered the passenger to keep his hands on the dash. The passenger was not complying and kept reaching for the gun after being told numerous times to keep his hands on the dash. The officer, realizing this is a life and death situation, calls for emergency backup and slightly shifts position to get a better suspect and the gun."

The officer instructs him, "Don't reach around, you understand me?" In the tense interaction, the officer warns Parhm and orders him to keep his hands on the dash four more times with increasing urgency.

Eventually, the officer can be heard telling Parhm assertively, "Keep your hands on the f***ing dash." The officer gave another forceful warning, "You reach down there again and I will shoot you motherf***er."

An unidentified voice off camera can be heard telling Parhm, "That's crazy," before he puts his hands up. Another person urges him, "Keep your hands on the dash, bro! Keep 'em on the dash."

The officer is then heard making a call on his radio. The suspect's shoulder can be seen moving and the officer orders him again. forcefully, "Don't reach for that f***ing gun or I will shoot you, you motherf***er."

Bystanders gathered around the vehicle are audibly telling Parhm not to move his hands while the officer tells them to stay back. The officer begins to warn him yet again as his hands move off the dash. At that point, two shots rang out. The officer had fired twice at Parhm and called to his radio "shots fired."

⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ : The following video contains graphic, violent content that viewers may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.



Webb concluded the video by stating, "This incident was subject to both an internal and criminal investigation which will be reviewed by the Allen County prosecutor's office. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officer is consistent with Department policy and law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete."