Fort Worth police release body cam footage after deadly July 5 officer-involved shooting
FORT WORTH (CBSNewsTexas.com) – The Fort Worth Police Department released portions of the body cam footage and preliminary investigation information from the deadly officer-involved shooting last week during a press conference Tuesday.
A Fort Worth police officer and an arson investigator were on their way to a call about fireworks at a house party in the early hours of July 5 when they saw two armed men in an altercation in the Diamond Hill neighborhood, Fort Worth Chief of Police Neil Noakes said.
As the officer and investigator approached the gathering, they saw an injured Hispanic male walking away from a man holding a firearm.
Noakes said the officer and investigator got out of their vehicle and began their approach to the location of the party. At that time calls for a fight and disturbance involving a firearm were also received by 911 dispatchers.
Noakes said as the officer continued his approach, a gunshot was heard and a man, later identified as 21-year-old Billy Smith was seen standing and pointing a firearm at a Hispanic male laying on the ground next to a SUV.
The officer announced himself and, as seen in the body cam footage of the officer's approach, gunshots and screams are heard in the distance.
"Perceiving an imminent threat to a third party, the Fort Worth officer fired his handgun at Smith, striking him multiple times," Noakes said. "Smith fell to the ground."
Noakes said the same time, the arson investigator, who was to the left of the officer, saw a second male, later identified as 30-year-old Bronshay Minter, with a pistol in his hand.
That pistol had a weapon light activated, which was pointing in the direction of the officer, investigator and others in the area, Noakes said.
"At this moment, officers heard two shots fired," said Noakes. "Fearing for the safety of himself, the Fort Worth officer and others at the location, the arson investigator fired his handgun at Minter."
According to the report, Minter was struck, fell to the ground and dropped the piston. He then ran around the corner of the house.
When the officer approached Minter where he had fallen, he saw a semi-automatic pistol behind him as well as a leather sap. Two spent shell casings matching the caliber of Minter's pistol were found nearby.
The arson investigator then provided aid to a man who had been shot in the leg.
According to the report, as the scene was investigated, an injured Hispanic male was seen sitting on the curb next to a SUV. Noakes said he had been shot, stabbed and beaten.
While officers continued investigating, they found a man and a woman shot nearby. The man did not remain on scene and investigators have been unable to locate him, Noake said.
The other victims were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Minter was pronounced dead at the hospital.
FWPD is asking anyone who may have witnessed or has video of the incident to please contact them.
This is a developing story, please click back for updates.
