Buffalo Police have released a nearly four-minute video from one of the body cameras worn by officers who shot a man armed with a knife on Hertel Avenue early Monday morning. The 30-year-old man, identified as Dominique Thomas, was apparently having a mental health crisis.
The video shows officers repeatedly asking Thomas to put down the knife and retreating as Thomas stepped in the direction of the officers. Police ultimately fired as Thomas ran toward them. One of the officers could be heard screaming, "Why?" after the shooting.
Caution: This video includes police shooting a suspect and may not be suitable for all ages.
Police said the footage is from the body camera worn by Officer Michael Ramos, who has been on the force for two years. Ramos and Officer Phillip Edwards, on the force for seven years, have both been put on paid administrative leave as investigations are conducted into the incident.
Thomas, meanwhile, remains hospitalized at Erie County Medical Center.