Video footage of an off-duty Tucson police officer shooting a man in the midst of a possible mental health crisis has been released as part of an external investigation into the incident.
The video report was released late Friday by the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team, a multi-agency group that investigates officer-involved shootings here.
Officer Noah Wade, a five-year veteran of the department, was off-duty on April 17 at an apartment complex in the 4600 block of East Skyline Drive, where he said he heard signs of distress and calls for help coming from outside. Wade instructed an acquaintance to call 911 as he went to investigate.
Meanwhile, 911 dispatchers had already received a burglary in progress called from a complex resident who identified as Matt Laswell. Laswell told dispatchers that people were trying to break into his apartment and kill him, according to his 911 call. He went on to describe one suspect wearing a gas mask and hanging from a fan. according to the PRCIT report.
Having heard these unusual statements, the dispatcher changed the call from a burglary to a check welfare due to concerns that Laswell was experiencing a mental health crisis, the report says.
By the time deputies arrived with this information, Wade had shot Laswell, who had exited his apartment holding two large kitchen knives.
A woman walking her dog in the complex witnessing the incident can be heard on the deputyâs body camera saying the wounded man âdidnât come at him with a knife,â the report shows.
Because the off-duty officer is not wearing a body camera, it is difficult to see from his angle whether or not Laswell advanced.
Laswell was taken to a local hospital and has been charged with aggravated assault. A mental health evaluation was also requested.
The investigation continues. The final report will be sent to the Pima County Attorneyâs Office, which is standard procedure.
