This bodycam footage, provided by Washington State’s Clark Co. Sheriff’s Office, shows the perspective of two deputies as they pursue an armed suspected carjacker. The suspect points a handgun at them and is promptly shot and killed. Viewer discretion is advised.

Upon initial contact and pursuit, the suspect, later identified as Benjamin Woods, 41 years of age, began into a nearby American Legion. The footage begins with a K9 and handler leading the contact and chase. I make the distinction because the K9 is also considered an officer/deputy. Woods first points a handgun at the K9 handler at 0:18, at which point the deputy briefly switches to his gun before returning his focus to the dog. As Woods enters the building, the officer lets his K9 partner off the leash, sending him on the attack. However, the dog is too busy being a good boy to perceive the threat. At 0:48, the deputy switches back to his pistol.

At 0:50, Woods raises his hands and verbally threatens to shoot. It is difficult to see the small revolver in Wood’s hands. At this point the deputy and his human partners open fire. Woods falls to a kneeling position.

The events are then shown from a partner’s perspective. This includes the initial attempt to arrest Woods and the initial impression that he was armed. This second viewpoint helps illustrate the fact that the building was occupied, which in turn explains why the deputies opted to try the K9 first, rather than firing. The other humans present may have also confused the K9, who, I must foot stomp and emphasize, is still a good boy. We also see the forethought and planning that is put into securing both Woods and the weapon, in order to provide medical care.

Despite that medical care, Woods was pronounced dead on-scene. No other persons were harmed.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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