Cops shoot black man: Houston police say man was armed, release video of shooting death - TomoNews
- 8 years ago
HOUSTON — Houston police have released video showing the controversial, fatal shooting of Alva Braziel, a 38-year-old black man, on July 9.
After news of Braziel’s death spread across the country, many took to social media claiming that police unnecessarily shot the man, who they said was unarmed. But police continually said Braziel was holding a handgun while standing in the middle of a street.
The released video included a recording from a convenience store surveillance camera and several police body cams. The surveillance footage showed Braziel walking in the distance as two police vehicles approached. Shortly after, Braziel could be seen falling to the floor.
Police said they thought Braziel was flagging them down, but after shining a light on him they said they realized he was armed.
The footage was followed by recordings from police body cams following the shooting. While difficult to see on surveillance footage, body cam video revealed Braziel was holding a handgun in the aftermath.
Houston police held a press conference after release of the video expressing condolences to Braziel’s family.
After news of Braziel’s death spread across the country, many took to social media claiming that police unnecessarily shot the man, who they said was unarmed. But police continually said Braziel was holding a handgun while standing in the middle of a street.
The released video included a recording from a convenience store surveillance camera and several police body cams. The surveillance footage showed Braziel walking in the distance as two police vehicles approached. Shortly after, Braziel could be seen falling to the floor.
Police said they thought Braziel was flagging them down, but after shining a light on him they said they realized he was armed.
The footage was followed by recordings from police body cams following the shooting. While difficult to see on surveillance footage, body cam video revealed Braziel was holding a handgun in the aftermath.
Houston police held a press conference after release of the video expressing condolences to Braziel’s family.