Denver police have released new body camera and drone video, along with additional details, regarding a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred last Tuesday in southeast Denver.
The footage shows the moments leading up to the incident in an alleyway near the 1000 block of South Quitman Street, where 58-year-old Joseph Frank Martinez was confronted by officers.
According to Denver police, Martinez was found holding what appeared to be a rifle. Investigators later recovered a pump-style BB rifle with a solid wood stock and metal barrel at the scene, which was the weapon possessed by Martinez throughout the incident.
Police reported that Martinez was ducking and hiding in people’s backyards and pointing the gun at people in the area, prompting a reverse 9-1-1 call that instructed neighbors to shelter in place.
The released body camera video captures the officer yelling “Drop it” before firing five shots from a department-approved rifle. One Denver police officer discharged five rounds during the encounter, investigators determined.
A SWAT team is seen arriving in the footage, with the officer directing them to the suspect’s location.
Martinez was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
