Bakersfield, CA: The dramatic police body cam and drone footage of last month's incident involving a suspect who was run over by an armored police vehicle during a tense standoff with law enforcement was just released.
In late April, a well armed suspect later identified as 59 year old David Morales allegedly shot a police officer while he was attempting to serve an eviction notice to Morales.
"This situation went from a civil order of removal to where our officer was shot and killed. This is senseless," Mike Boudreaux, the Tulare County Sheriff, told the press.
Officers from multiple nearby jurisdictions responded to the scene which led to a multi hour standoff with police.
During the standoff, Morales, who donned full camouflage gear and equipped with a high powered rifle, exited his residence through a window, then dug himself into the brush like an Alabama tick.
The solution - use an armored truck to terminate the threat to law enforcement.
"The suspect was lying prone on the ground, in camouflage clothing, continuing to pose a threat. The situation was resolved, and the suspect is now dead. He was not shot. One of the BearCats ran over him and killed him," Boudreaux said.
“Authorities said deputies determined Morales continued posing an imminent threat and used the BearCat as a means of deadly force,” according to one source.
During the standoff, it was reported that Morales shot at police and their gear, including shooting down a police drone, penetrating an armor plating, and causing other damage to police equipment.
The incident was captured on drone footage, which was recently released to the public.
The Dramatic Scene
The nearly seven-minute footage was a combination of drone and body cam footage and shows an enormous show of force from law enforcement. SWAT officers arrived in tactical armored vehicles, a BearCat and a Rook, to assist with securing nearby civilians to get them to safety.
The scene below shows drone footage of Morales climbing out of a window, en route to find a spot to shoot from.
This scene shows the body-worn camera point of view from a SWAT vehicle inside the armored vehicle as they approach Morales.
The next overhead drone footage shows the armored vehicle barreling its way through heavy brush and thick branches, displaying its durability and maneuverability. The armored vehicle took several shots but kept those on board safe from harm.
This last image shows the same drone capturing Morales still moving, albeit slowly after being struck by the vehicle.
This unique, one-of-a-kind escalation of force from law enforcement terminated the standoff, and the Sheriff seemed like he had no reservations regarding their decision to use the armored vehicle to stop the threat.
"Don’t shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we’re going to run you over. He got run over. He got what he deserved,” the Sheriff told the media.
Well done, Sheriff.
--------------------------------------------
Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com
Comments