The critical incident briefing from police detailed the moments leading up to a man being shot on May 20 near 63rd Avenue and Bell Road.
Sgt. Ramsay said the victim entered the pawn shop with the man, later identified as 33-year-old Daren Howard, to buy a gun. During the process, Ramsay said the woman showed signs she was in trouble.
“She just said call 911. Like she needs help,” the 911 caller said.
Ramsay said Howard started acting erratically inside the store, according to the caller. He added that store employees tried to stall the couple while officers were dispatched.
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When police arrived, store employees told them what was happening inside. When confronted by officers, Howard became aggressive and grabbed the woman, the video shows.
“Stop. Let go now. Let go now,” an officer says. “You’re about to get Tased.”
A struggle then begins, and the couple falls to the ground. An officer says the suspect is at gunpoint, then gunshots are heard.
Sgt. Ramsay said Howard was armed with a knife and tried to take the woman hostage. When less lethal force did not work to free her, officers fired several shots.
After getting the woman to safety, police moved in, took Howard’s knife and helped treat his injuries.
Howard survived and faces several charges. He’s being held on a $350,000 cash bond.
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