BODYCAM: Deputy Shot Responding to Armed Burglary

Code Three has obtained the body camera footage from an officer involved shooting that occurred on Sunday Oct 2nd, 2022. Officers responded to the 3900 block of Hatchling Court in reference to a reported Armed Burglary in progress. As officers arrived on scene and attempted to make contact with the complainant, without notice and in an ambush style, gunshots were fired through the front door striking one of the officers in the back. The officers were able to remove themselves and take cover. Moments later, the suspect appeared in the front yard as he attempted to get into a vehicle belonging to a resident at the home. The injured officer was able to re-engage the suspect and further shots were fired as the suspect fled the area in the stolen vehicle. A short time later, JSO received a call in reference to a single vehicle crash on the Dames Point Bridge. Upon arrival, officers observed that the vehicle and driver involved in the crash and the stolen vehicle and suspect in the shooting were one in the same. As officers approached, the suspect was observed fleeing the vehicle and jumping over the railing of the bridge into the water below. Marine units were dispatched in an effort to locate the fugitive. The suspect was later discovered deceased in the river in the area he was last seen jumping from the bridge. Dive team members also located the firearm believed to be used by the suspect during the shooting at the bottom of the river. Following an autopsy it was determined that the suspect had not sustained any injuries as a result of gunfire and his death was ruled an accidental drowning. The officer that was shot during the incident was transported to a local medical facility where he was treated for the gunshot wound sustained.