Sheriff: Texas man killed by deputies was armed with knife
SAN ANTONIO -- A Texas sheriff says deputies who gunned down a man whose hands were raised believe he was holding a knife at the time.
Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau told the San Antonio Express-News on Tuesday that Gilbert Flores was carrying a knife when the deputies confronted him Friday outside of a home northwest of San Antonio.
She says the deputies believe he was still holding it when they shot him.
A motorist captured video showing the 41-year-old Flores standing motionless with his hands raised in apparent surrender when he was shot. A utility pole obscured one of his arms, though. The video was shot from more than a football field away, reports CBS affiliate KENS.
A second video has emerged that gives authorities a "very clear view" of the confrontation, Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood said Tuesday. He described it and the initial video as "disturbing," but cautioned against a rush to judgment as authorities investigate the shooting.
The second video was recorded by a witness closer to the incident, LaHood said, but he declined to provide further information about what it reveals or when authorities acquired it. An investigation is underway to determine whether the deputies will face criminal charges or whether the danger to them was imminent, LaHood said.
San Antonio attorney Thomas J. Henry, who is representing the family, said in an interview Tuesday that the initial video appears to show that deadly force was unnecessary but he is seeking more evidence.
"From a lay perspective, seeing the video, it does appear the immediate danger is gone because he had both hands in the air," Henry said. "Now there are other videos and other pieces of evidence that we want to gather." He said the family is considering filing a lawsuit to compel authorities to turn over more evidence.
Sheriff Pamerlau says investigators are reviewing the video. She previously said Flores was armed but didn't say previously what type of weapon he allegedly had.
Deputies Greg Vasquez and Robert Sanchez, who were not equipped with body cameras at the time of the encounter, have been placed on administrative leave. Sanchez has worked more than 20 years with the sheriff's office and Vasquez has been with the agency more than 10 years, according to records with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Both had received training in use of force and nonlethal devices.
Michelle Lee, a special agent for the FBI in San Antonio, confirmed Tuesday that "experienced civil rights investigators" are monitoring the investigation.
The deputies had responded to a domestic disturbance, authorities have said, and found a woman at the residence with a cut on her head and a baby who appeared to be injured. Sheriff's officials have not indicated whether they believe Flores harmed the two.
Attempts to contact members of Flores' family were unsuccessful Tuesday, but Henry, the family's lawyer, said that Flores' wife is devastated. The couple has a child who is just 21 days old, he said.
Bexar County court records show Flores was convicted in 2003 of aggravated robbery, and the San Antonio Express-News reports he also has a conviction for assault with a deadly weapon.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, who represents part of the San Antonio area, said in a statement that Friday's shooting was "extremely disturbing."
"This incident is further evidence that police officers and deputies should wear body cameras," he said. "The widely supported technology brings transparency and accountability that protects law enforcement and civilians alike."
Castro urged in a tweet Wednesday that the second video be made public.
Bexar County commissioners approved a county budget Tuesday that includes more than $630,000 to provide deputies with body cameras and also cameras for patrol vehicles.