FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth police released bodycam video of the moment leading up to an officer-involved shooting after a man made a 911 call threatening suicide.
Local officials said Brant Nickell called 911 on September 23, saying he wanted to kill himself and to make sure his body was found. This led to a search for Nickell which lasted several hours, police said.
Officers search for his vehicle ended around 6:00 p.m. after dispatchers were able to ping Nickell's cell phone. They located his white SUV within minutes of the ping.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes released several bodycam videos Friday morning that showed what happened next at the scene.
Officers found Nickell’s white SUV abandoned in a small parking lot on Selkirk Drive near I-20 and Granbury Road.
Police had already learned from Nickell's family that he was suffering from a mental health crisis. The video shows when officers located Nickell in a ditch with a gun, they initially called him by his name. After that, officials said he pointed a gun at officers. Two officers fired their weapons with one striking Nickell. You can then hear an additional shot, and that’s when police said he fatally shot himself despite their de-escalation efforts.
“That was a genuine statement," Noakes said. "I don't want to do it. Don't make me do it. They didn't want it to happen like this. It tells me I've got the right people out there doing the job the right way, and I hate that they're put in this position. I hate that this gentleman felt so desperate. He thought this was the only answer. I hate it for the officers and their families too. Please keep them in your prayers."
The officers involved in the shooting are reportedly undergoing counseling as the investigation continues. The Tarrant County Medical examiner will determine Nickell’s exact cause of death.
As of Friday, WFAA reached out to Nickell's family but has not received a response.