Bodycam video of fatal police shooting at Phoenix store released

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Police released bodycam video of a fatal officer-involved shooting That happened last month at a store in Phoenix.

The shooting resulted in the death of 31-year-old Essex Jackson.

GRAPHIC VIDEO WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised.

The incident began shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, when officers responded to a burglary call at a Dollar Tree store near 37th and Glendale Avenues. The 911 caller said the man, who was reportedly carrying a large knife, appeared to be impaired and that he was scaring people in the store.

When they arrived, a store employee pointed out the man to officers, identified as Essex, who is seen on video walking away from them and into a warehouse. Police followed him to the warehouse and found him climbing onto a built-in freezer.

Both officers pointed their Tasers at Essex and ordered him to climb down. He followed their instructions until they tried to detain him, at which point he was seen driving away and running back to the main area of the store.

The video shows one of the officers trying to hold Essex’s arm, but she loses her grip and falls into a glass case. The other officer then bagged him and he fell to the ground.

The officer’s body-worn camera then showed Essex immediately getting back up, followed by a struggle. Police say the officer’s Taser and body camera were both knocked to the ground.

We then see the other officer and a security guard struggling with the suspect, attempting to take him into custody. One of the officers grabbed the Taser from the floor and shocked Essex again, who then grabbed the officer’s hand.

At one point, Essex shouts, “Please stop!” and he is seen grabbing the hand of the officer holding the Taser. He didn’t let go and the officer is seen falling backwards.

The video then shows Essex picking up the Taser and pulling the trigger, seemingly shocking both officers. At that moment, one of the officers stood up and opened fire.

Backup officers arrived to provide aid to Essex until firefighters arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said both officers were taken to a hospital and released later that evening.

A sheathed fixed blade knife was found at the scene.

Phoenix police say both officers are assigned to the Cactus Park Precinct and have been on the job for seven and five years, respectively. The shooting remains under investigation.

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