Authorities released dramatic footage of a traffic stop involving their deputies that turned into a deadly shootout with a man they describe as a “violent career criminal.”
The incident started when the deputies conducted a routine traffic stop. The vehicle had three adults and a two-month-old infant inside. The deputies made small talk with two vehicle occupants before asking the backseat passenger to step out of the car.
He jumped out of the backseat brandishing a rifle and immediately opened fire, sending the deputies scrambling for cover. One deputy was shot in the leg.
The deputies, ducking down, didn’t see the attacker running around their patrol car to sneak up on them. However, his weapon apparently jammed, and he used the butt of the rifle to bash one deputy’s head repeatedly. His partner changed his clip and opened fire, repeatedly shooting the assailant at close range.
The suspect, later identified as Paris, 38, died on the scene.
The sheriff’s department called Paris a “career offender” with over 40 arrests on various charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, drug offenses, battery of a law enforcement officer, and attempted first degree felony murder.
At the time of the incident, he was out on bond for two felony drug charges. He also had two active felony warrants.
Sheriff Wayne stated: “I’m just extremely thankful that our deputies are safe and the suspect is no longer on this planet where he could put someone else’s life in peril.”
Wayne expressed concern about how Paris was still on the streets following numerous arrests, and promised to find out why. He theorized that Paris attacked the deputies because of the outstanding warrants.
“Let there be no doubt: This individual got exactly what he deserved,” he added. “And to those out there who might be foolish enough to ask why we shot him so many times, that answer is simple: Because evil can never be dead enough.”
Deputy Brian was shot in the lower leg and sustained skull fractures in the attack. He was hospitalized in stable condition and was expected to recover. The Marine veteran had been with the department for less than two years, although he had previously served in other law enforcement agencies.
Many were happy with the deputies terminating the danger quickly, while others were outraged by the sheriff’s statement and said that no member of law enforcement, especially the sheriff, should even think of making such statements. What are your thoughts about the sheriff’s statement?
Watch the full video and a briefing about the incident here.
We are republishing this story amid recent reports of a surge in violent crime across the United States.
Leave a Reply