Indiana police release video in fatal traffic stop shooting of 22-year-old Black man
An Indiana police department has released body camera video of a traffic stop in which a 22-year-old Black man was fatally shot by an officer, a death that prompted local protests.
The Fort Wayne Police Department released a statement this week along with edited body camera footage of the Saturday evening stop, saying that the “actions from occupants inside the vehicle” caused the officer to fire. Police said a gun was pulled from the car following the shooting.
A representative for the department did not immediately respond to a call requesting a full, unedited copy of the incident.
The man, identified as Linzell Parhm, was taken to the hospital after the shooting and pronounced dead.
“The body camera footage is being released so the public has a transparent view of what occurred and a more accurate understanding of the events in question,” police said. “These events affect everyone involved and it is important to get all the facts necessary before reserving judgment.”
Body camera footage of Fort Wayne Police Department officer Mason Wills initiating a traffic stop which led to a fatal shooting in Fort Wayne, Ind., on June 22.Fort Wayne Police Department
Video released Tuesday begins with the officer speaking to a group of people inside a red vehicle and instructing them to keep their hands on the dashboard.
A man in the front passenger seat initially complies but then moves his left hand to reach down. The officer, identified as Mason Wills, then points a gun at the man, according to the video.
“Keep your hands on the f---ing dash, if you reach down there again I will shoot you motherf---er,” Wills said.
“Keep them on the dash, bro,” another person said.
Wills is heard speaking into his radio and requesting backup, and the man in the passenger seat moves his hand for a second time.
“Don’t reach for that f---ing gun or I’ll shoot you motherf---er,” Wills ordered again.
“He’s not going to,” someone in the car said.
“Hey, stay back,” Wills said to someone who was not visible. “Don’t reach for that f---ing gun. Keep your hands on the dash.”
The man moves his hand for a third time moments later, which is when Wills opens fire. A gun is not visible on camera during the exchange based on the angle of the camera.
After shots are fired, the video fades to black and cuts to another shot of multiple officers surrounding the vehicle. Officers open the passenger door and pull a firearm from the footwell of the front passenger seat.
It was identified by police as a 7.62mm “Draco AK Pistol.”
Police have yet to offer a reason that the traffic stop was initiated. Wills has been placed on administrative leave, per Fort Wayne Police policy, the department said.
The department also said that Parhm’s family has viewed the footage. Parhm’s family has retained civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, whose office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Parhm’s death prompted local protest as community members demanded video of the stop be released, according to NBC affiliate WPTA of Fort Wayne. The shooting is also being investigated by the Indiana State Police, the station reported.
Parhm worked as a director at the Euell A. Wilson Center, a Christian center focused on helping youth and their families.
The center has posted tributes to Parhm on their Facebook page, as well as links to donate to his family. Photos were also posted of children at the center writing messages to Parhm.
On Sunday, the center described him as someone who smiled often, “capturing the hearts of everyone.”
“Linzell worked tirelessly to ensure all the youth at the center felt a sense of belonging and he cared so deeply for his family and his community,” the post said.
Doha Madani
Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.