Behind the Badge
On Tuesday, Jan. 3 the Chandler Police Department in Arizona released surveillance video footage of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 23, 2016.
For the first time, the public got to see an event that occurred in just 10 seconds and nearly cost the lives of two police officers.
The officers responded to a call at a Walmart.
According to the released investigative report, the store manager called for assistance when suspect Mitchell Oakley, who previously was caught trespassing, showed up.
Officers Daniel Colwell made contact with Oakley, who was on parole.
Colwell spoke to Oakley and conducted a check for active warrants.
After backup Officer Joshua Pueblo arrived, Oakley stood up from a bench and retrieved a gun from his back waistband and opened fire at the officers.
“He immediately fired multiple shots at Officer Colwell and Officer Pueblo before they had a time to react to the threat,” the report said.
Officer Pueblo, who was shot in the face, arm and back, retreated to cover without returning fire. He was assisted by a Walmart employee who handed him towels to control his bleeding and a citizen who helped render aid with paper towels.
Colwell, who was shot twice in his ballistic vest, took 2 seconds to return fire from the ground as Oakley started fleeing the store with the gun in his hand.
Oakley died at the scene.
Officer Colwell was treated for bruising to his torso from shots received to his vest.
Officer Pueblo was hospitalized and later released, but he remains on light duty.
