In a tragic and harrowing incident, Volusia Sheriff’s Office reports that a man with schizophrenia was shot and killed by Holly Hill police after charging at an officer with a knife. The sheriff’s office wasted no time in releasing the body camera footage less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting on Ridgewood Avenue. A caution to viewers: the video contains graphic content, and discretion is advised.
In a display of operational support, the sheriff’s office has stepped in to assist the Holly Hill department following the resignation of multiple officers and the chief amidst allegations of inappropriate conduct.
According to reports, 911 dispatchers received distress calls from both the deceased man and his mother. In the 911 call placed by the man, voices can be heard urging him to commit violent acts. He mentions possessing a steak knife during the call.
Simultaneously, the man’s mother reached out to alert authorities about her son’s condition, stating that he suffers from schizophrenia and has a history of violence.
Detailing a chilling moment captured in the 911 recording, the mother expressed her fear of her son’s potential harm. The dispatcher counseled the troubled man to stay inside and disarm.
The tension escalates when the man mentions a person named Nicole outside, proclaiming his intent to harm her. The call descends into chaos, with screams echoing through the phone, leaving the situation unclear.
Transitioning to the body camera footage, an officer is shown arriving on the scene as the man rushes towards him with the knife drawn. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, the man persists in advancing towards the officer, prompting the use of lethal force.
The officer fires his weapon, causing the man to fall to the ground momentarily before rising again in an attempt to charge at the officer. Further shots are fired by the officer, resulting in the man collapsing to his knees. Additional officers swiftly intervene and provide medical assistance, but tragically, the man succumbs to his injuries at the scene.
This devastating chain of events serves as a somber reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health crises and law enforcement responses in our communities.