Patrick Warren, Sr.Photo: Gofundme
On Wednesday, civil rights attorney Lee Merritt released doorbell and smart phone footage of the moments leading up to the killing of 52-year-old Patrick Warren, Sr.
The footage also includes the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s shooting, which Warren’s family witnessed.
“I told you, don’t use a gun,” Warren’s son repeats to Killeen Policeman Reynaldo Contreras, the officer who shot Warren, according to a statement from Killeen Police.
The shooting occurred at about 5:30 p.m., according to the statement.
Police received a 911 call from Warren’s residence on Sunday, which is described in the statement as a “psychiatric call.”
The statement continues: “Upon the officer’s arrival, he encountered an emotionally distressed man. The officer initially used his conducted energy weapon, which was ineffective, and then discharged his duty weapon during the encounter, striking the subject.”
In a statement issued Wednesday, Merritt, who is representing Warren’s family, said, “A mental health call should not be a death sentence.”
According to Merritt, the family was told a mental health deputy wasn’t available so Killeen officers were sent to the home instead.
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The actual shooting was not captured on video, but contains audio of three shots being fired. Relatives can also be heard telling Warren to “sit down” during the fatal incident.
Contreras could not be reached for comment.
Warren’s family has launcheda GoFundMe campaignto help cover the cost of his funeral.
According to the campaign, Warren had recently lost his job because of the pandemic, and notes his life insurance policy expired three months ago.
source: people.com
