Mesquite Police have released gripping body camera and surveillance footage capturing a harrowing confrontation between officers and a 16-year-old student at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy on February 19.
Lt. Brandon Ricketts revealed in a riveting community briefing on YouTube, unveiling new details in the investigation alongside the adrenaline-pumping video of the incident.
The heart-pounding saga began when a school administrator urgently dialed Mesquite Police at 8:49 a.m., reporting a student wielding a gun, making threats to himself and others. The tension escalated as the administrator, locked down the campus, and desperately negotiated with the armed student.
As officers swooped in, they encountered a chilling scene, with the student sitting on a couch, the firearm at his feet. Mesquite Police, in a bold move, released edited videos from CCTV and officers’ body cameras, revealing the high-stakes negotiation.
“What’s going on today buddy? Can you talk to us? We would like to help you. That’s why we’re here. Has anything upset you today?” an officer pleaded. The precarious situation unfolded as the student, despite the officers’ pleas, reached down to grab the gun. In a heartbeat, one officer fired, the echoes of three gunshots reverberating in the video.
The office door began to close, prompting an officer to intervene. Lt. Ricketts disclosed, “As the officer pulled the door open, the suspect can be seen on CCTV now standing and facing the officers with the handgun raised toward officers in a shooter’s stance. At this time, three officers fired at the suspect.”
With the door closed, officers persisted in coaxing the student out, eventually succeeding. The aftermath revealed 19 shots fired, injuring the student’s leg. Miraculously, the teen, briefly hospitalized, was released the same day.
Contrary to initial reports, the video revealed by Mesquite Police affirmed the teenager never discharged his weapon. A photo of the recovered Rossi .38 Special handgun and five rounds underscored the gravity of the situation. Ricketts revealed that detectives traced the origin of the gun, but as of now, no charges against others are anticipated.
Interviews with witnesses painted a grim picture, suggesting the armed student harbored intentions to harm. The unnamed minor faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault against a public servant and exhibition of a firearm.
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