An Indiana police department has released body camera video of a traffic stop in which an officer fatally shot a 22-year-old Black man, a death that prompted local protests.
Fort Wayne police released a statement this week along with edited body camera video of the stop on Saturday evening, saying the “actions from occupants inside the vehicle” caused the officer to fire. Police said a gun was pulled from the car after the shooting.
A police representative did not immediately respond to a call requesting a full, unedited copy of the incident.
The man, identified as Linzell Parhm, was taken to the hospital after the shooting and pronounced dead.
“The body camera footage is being released so the public has a transparent view of what occurred and a more accurate understanding of the events in question,” police said. “These events affect everyone involved and it is important to get all the facts necessary before reserving judgment.”
Video released Tuesday begins with the officer speaking to a group of people in a red vehicle and instructing them to keep their hands on the dashboard.
A man in the front passenger seat initially complies but then moves his left hand to reach down. The officer, identified as Mason Wills, then points a gun at the man, according to the video.
“Keep your hands on the f—ing dash. If you reach down there again I will shoot you, motherf—er,” Wills says.
“Keep them on the dash, bro,” another person says.
Wills speaks into his radio and requests backup, and the man in the passenger seat moves his hand for a second time.
“Don’t reach for that f—ing gun or I’ll shoot you, motherf—er,” Wills orders again.
“He’s not going to,” someone in the car says.
“Hey, stay back,” Wills tells someone who is not visible. “Don’t reach for that f—ing gun. Keep your hands on the dash.”
The man moves his hand for a third time moments later, which is when Wills opens fire. A gun is not visible on camera during the exchange based on the angle of the camera.
After shots are fired, the video fades to black and cuts to another shot of multiple officers surrounding the vehicle. Officers open the passenger door and pull a firearm from the footwell of the front passenger seat.
Police identified it as a 7.62 mm Draco AK pistol.
Police have yet to offer a reason for initiating the traffic stop. Wills has been placed on administrative leave, in accordance with policy, the policy department said.
The police department also said Parhm’s family has viewed the video. Parhm’s family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, whose office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Parhm’s death prompted local protest as community members demanded that video of the stop be released, NBC affiliate WPTA of Fort Wayne reported. Indiana State Police are also investigating the shooting, the station reported.
Parhm was a director at the Euell A. Wilson Center, a Christian center focused on helping youth and their families.
The center has posted tributes to Parhm on its Facebook page, as well as links to donate to his family. Photos of children at the center writing messages to Parhm were also posted.
On Sunday, the center described him as someone who smiled often, “capturing the hearts of everyone.”
“Linzell worked tirelessly to ensure all the youth at the center felt a sense of belonging and he cared so deeply for his family and his community,” it said.
Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.
