Allen Police released a body camera video on Wednesday that shows a police officer tracking the sounds of gunfire to take down a gunman who killed eight people and wounded seven others outside the Allen Premium Outlets last month. The video’s release comes after the officer was cleared of any wrongdoing this week by a Collin County grand jury.
The grand jury heard the use of force case on Monday and “no billed” the officer who fatally shot the gunman, stating that his use of force was justified. Incidents involving deadly use of force are independently reviewed to ensure that the officer’s actions were in accordance with state law.
On May 6, a man armed with several weapons stopped his car in the south parking lot and opened fire on shoppers at the sprawling outdoor shopping center. Among the victims were three children, including two young sisters and a boy who died alongside his parents. Three other adults were also killed, including a mall security guard who died while helping shoppers move to safety.
At the time of the shooting, an officer on duty at the mall was in the parking lot talking with a woman and her two children when they heard the first gunshots. The officer immediately tracked the sound of gunfire until he found and fatally shot the gunman.
Following the grand jury’s decision, the Allen Police Department released the officer’s body camera footage from that day. The video was edited to remove some language and blur the faces and bodies of civilians and victims.
Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey stated, “This video shows how quickly a routine interaction with the public turned into a life-and-death situation. The officer recognized the danger, ran toward the gunfire, and neutralized the threat – and for his actions, the Allen community is forever grateful.”
In the video, the officer can be heard laughing and casually talking to the woman and her children about wearing their seat belts when loud pops suddenly erupt in the background. The woman quickly moved her children out of harm’s way as the officer reached inside his patrol vehicle for a rifle and notified dispatchers of the gunshots.
The body camera video shows the officer running toward the mall, tracking the sounds of gunfire that were growing louder and louder. He yelled for people to leave the area and take cover as he continued moving toward the blasts. About a minute and 40 seconds after the first shots were heard in the video, the officer reached the outside of the H&M store where he encountered the first victims.
The officer, growing breathless, could be heard saying into his radio, “I believe we’ve got a mass shooter. I’ve got a magazine on the ground. I’m passing injured. I’m moving as fast as I can to try to get over there.” About three minutes after the shooting began, the officer fired his first shots at the gunman. As the shooting subsided, he cautiously moved toward the gunman while calling out to other officers arriving at the scene.
Five minutes after the shooting began, police at the scene confirmed that they had taken down the shooter.
Allen Police has requested a comprehensive and independent review of the incident by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to provide insight and best practices for future training and emergency response.
The mall reopened to shoppers on May 31, with each retailer having the flexibility to set their own hours and resume business at their own pace. Mall officials have announced plans for a permanent memorial to honor the victims, with details to be released at a later date.
In what ways does the release of the body camera footage contribute to transparency and understanding of the events that transpired during the shooting incident
Shots, and took immediate action to neutralize the threat. His response was both courageous and justified. We hope that by releasing this video, it provides further transparency and understanding of the events that occurred that day.”
The video, which is just over 10 minutes long, shows the officer talking with the woman and her children when the first shots are heard. The officer quickly assesses the situation and immediately begins to track the sound of gunfire. The video shows the officer running towards the sound and taking cover behind parked cars as he searches for the shooter.
As the officer continues to move towards the source of the gunfire, he encounters panicked shoppers fleeing from the scene. He provides them with directions to safety and urges them to keep moving. The video also captures the officer’s radio communication with his colleagues, informing them of the ongoing threat and requesting additional units.
Nearly six minutes into the video, the officer spots the gunman and opens fire, neutralizing the threat. The video ends with the officer securing the scene and providing assistance to injured victims until additional help arrives.
The release of the body camera video aims to provide transparency and shed light on the officer’s actions during the tragic incident. It showcases the officer’s quick response and his commitment to protecting lives in the face of imminent danger. The edited footage ensures that the identities of civilians and victims remain protected while still offering a comprehensive view of the events that unfolded during the shooting.
The Allen Police Department hopes that by sharing this video, the public will gain a better understanding of the challenges that law enforcement officers face and the split-second decisions they must make to ensure public safety.
This article highlights the incredible bravery demonstrated by an Allen Police Officer during a mall shooting. The body camera footage offers a glimpse into the officer’s heroic actions, showcasing their unwavering commitment to protecting lives. Kudos to the officer for their quick thinking and selflessness in the face of danger.