(Courtesy: Pima Regional Critical Incident Team)
TUCSON, Ariz. – Officials with the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team (PRCIT) have released video surrounding a deadly shooting involving a Tucson Police officer.
The video was uploaded to the team’s YouTube page on April 25, and involved a shooting that happened on March 29, at a residential neighborhood in Tucson that is located near Broadway Boulevard and Camino Seco.
Incident began with 911 call
Eric Putnam (Courtesy: Pima Regional Critical Incident Team)
“Just after 5:00 a.m., the Tucson Public Safety Communications Department received a 911 call from a family friend about a man having auditory hallucinations, and making threats to shoot a family member in the head,” the video narrator said.
Later, three Tucson Police officers arrived at the scene, and eventually determine the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Eric Putnam, was likely a danger to himself or others. They later called Putnam on his cell phone.
“We can help you with that, if you need some, either medical attention or something to talk to about that, we can help you,” an officer was heard saying.
“No. I just – I just need to figure out why this stuff is going on with me?” Putnam replied.
Later on in the phone conversation, Putnam claims he has been accused by others of being a ‘pedy,’ and claimed he was not on any sex offenders registry.
“Maybe these people – or maybe you’re misinterpreting what they’re saying,” the officer replied.
“I’m not misinterpreting, sir. I know,” Putnam said. “I know when someone’s making comments to me. I’m not stupid.”
Shooting happened at apartment complex
Screenshot of video showing the moments prior to a deadly police shooting in Tucson on March 29, 2022. (Courtesy: Pima Regional Critical Incident Team)
Eventually, officers located Putnam at an apartment complex in the area.
“Show me your hands. Do it now!” an officer was heard saying, after they found Putnam. “Hands up. Hands up in the air. Do not reach for anything. I will shoot you.”
“Shoot me [expletive],” Putnam was heard saying.
Officers then made multiple requests for Putnam to put his hands in the air, to which Putnam was heard saying “shoot me.” Shortly thereafter, a number of shots were heard.</…….
Source: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/video-of-deadly-shooting-involving-tucson-police-officer-released