RICHARDSON, Texas — Richardson Police have released 911 audio and body camera footage from an incident where a police officer shot a man who was wielding a knife.
The shooting happened around 4:11 a.m. on Sunday at a home in the 1500 block of Fair Oaks Drive, police say. That home is in a subdivision near the intersection of N. Plano Road and E. Arapaho Road.
Police say they were responding to a domestic violence call, where a woman reported she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, who has been identified as 37-year-old Emmanuel Blanco Cruz, who was armed with a weapon.
An officer found Cruz in the garage wielding a large knife, according to RPD. Police say despite commands, he refused to drop the knife and moved from the garage towards his truck outside, video shows.
RPD says Cruz then reached inside his parked truck. Police say he then turned toward the officer "in a threatening manner," which led to the officer firing a single shot from her service weapon.
The shot hit Cruz in his upper body, according to RPD. After the gunshot, video shows Cruz on the ground continuing to reach for the knife.
Police say officers provided medical assistance to Cruz until paramedics arrived. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.
Richardson PD released the following statement upon releasing the body camera footage:
"Transparency in these situations is crucial for public trust and accountability. By sharing this information, the department aims to provide a clear and accurate account of the events, fostering an understanding of the complexities faced by officers in high-pressure situations. This openness is essential for maintaining community confidence and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined."
Richardson Police say the officer involved has been put on administrative leave, per department policy, and the Dallas County District Attorney is reviewing the case. RPD says the officer has been with the department for two years.