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Split Second Threat Analysis Performed By Officer, Subdues Armed Suspect
Published 3 years ago
The Pittsburg Police Department (California) have released the name of the man involved in last Thursday’s, May 20, 2021 officer involved shooting as 31-year-old Patrick Watkins.
Watkins, armed with a handgun, was spotted beating on the front door of his ex-girlfriend's apartment in the 2300 block of Loveridge Road. Around 9:21 p.m. officers arrived on the scene, Watkins was seen sitting on the stairs which led up to the apartment. He was asked multiple times to come down the stairs and to come speak with officers, but Watkins ignored the requests and began walking back up the stairs.
In the footage provided, we can see Watkins begin walking up the stairs, facing toward the officers. As Watkins reaches the top of the stairs, the officer observed a firearm in his right hand and began calling out to get on the ground. Within a split second, Watkins raised his firearm and points it directly at the approaching officers, where he was then neutralized by the lead officer.
At normal speed it is very difficult to even see the firearm, but when the video slows down to 25% speed, this officer spotted, analyzed, and used lethal force within seconds. While on the ground, officers consulted with Watkins for forty-minutes to drop the firearm. Due to his lack of compliance, Watkins eventually became unconscious and passed away on the scene because officers could not safely approach him to provide medical assistance.