Featured Image Credit: Farmington Police Department
Topics: Police
Ben Thompson
A man was shot dead at his front door when police turned up to the wrong address in response to a domestic violence call.
The shocking incident took place in New Mexico and was recorded on police body cam, which was released by the Farmington Police Department on Friday.
In the harrowing footage, the police can be seen approaching the house and knocking at the door.
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After knocking twice more and getting no answer, the officers can be heard asking the dispatcher to confirm the address and ask the caller to come to the door.
Shortly after, the homeowner opens the door holding a firearm and the police open fire on him, firing multiple rounds into his body as they back away.
The homeowner falls to the ground, and a woman's scream can be heard.
More shots are fired as the woman shoots out of the doorway and the police continue returning fire. The woman wasn't injured in the altercation.
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At the time of the shooting, dispatchers received calls from the man's daughter requesting assistance to the house.
Once the shoot-out ceased, the woman was put in handcuffs and led away from the house.
Why the police arrived at the wrong address is yet to be determined and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
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Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said the force had released the footage in an attempt to be as forthcoming and transparent as possible.
Hebbe said: "All of us — the men and women of the Farmington Police Department — recognise the severity of this incident. We will do everything possible to more fully understand what transpired here.
"Once again, we wish to express our condolences to the Dotson family and, as your chief of police, I wish to convey how very sorry I am that this tragedy occurred. We will continue to provide updates as we are able."
Three police officers involved in the altercation have been placed on administrative leave, pending investigation.
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Due to the nature of the call being related to domestic violence, the officers were likely ready to engage with somebody who would be willing to shoot police, according to an experienced investigator.
Edward Obayashi, who is also a policy advisor for the Plumas County Sheriff's Office in California, said: "As soon as they saw the gun, instinctively that's exactly what went through their mind.
"It's tragic. Was it a justified shooting? Excessive force? Here, it's not an issue for me.
"It's what led up to that is the issue. Who screwed up here?"