Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Man Killed By Arizona Police Begged, "Please Don't Shoot Me"

A Texas man fatally shot by an Arizona police officer in January begged for his life moments before he was killed, according to a newly-released police report.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

"Please don't shoot me," Daniel Shaver begged police.

Moments later, an officer shot and killed the 26-year-old Texas man.

The officer, identified as Philip Brailsford of the Mesa, Arizona, Police Department has since been charged with second-degree murder and fired.

In a newly-released police report detailing body camera footage of the Jan. 18 shooting, Shaver is described as sobbing and complying with commands as police ordered him to crawl toward them. Officers repeatedly threatened to shoot him if he did not comply.

"Alright, if you make a mistake, another mistake, there is a very severe possibility you are both going to get shot. Do you understand?" one officer is described as telling him.

Shaver replied, telling officers, "No, please don't shoot me."

On March 4, the Maricopa County Attorney determined the shooting was not justified and filed second degree murder charges against the officer.

Mesa Police released the report Tuesday, but have declined to release the video captured on the officer's body camera.

Daniel Shaver and his wife, Laney Sweet.

Daniel Shaver / Via Facebook: daniel.shaver.5811

According to the county attorney's office, police were called on Jan. 18 about reports of a man pointing a rifle outside the fifth floor window of a hotel.

Officers stood outside one of the rooms on the fifth floor and commanded everyone to come out. After Shaver and a woman exited, they were told to get on the ground, according to the police report.

Shaver was ordered to crawl toward the officers, and the woman that was with him said he appeared to be pleading with police.

After crawling on all fours toward the officers, the man was told to get on his knees. Shaver complied, but then made a motion with his right hand toward his waist, prompting Brailsford to fire his gun five times.

According to the police report, the movement was similar to someone reaching for a weapon on their waist, as well as someone trying to pull up their sagging shorts.

"It appeared his shorts had fallen partially down his legs at that point," the report read.


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