Police bodycam video shows one cop accidentally shooting another cop in the back
Last week, the Lafayette Police Department (LPD) in Indiana released several statements regarding an officer involved shooting. In a strange set of circumstances, it was one officer accidentally shooting another officer in the back while the two were exiting a residence during an investigation.The shooting took place in the line of duty.
The female officer that was shot has been identified as Lane Butler, a three-year veteran of the LPD. After being shot on Tuesday, she was initially listed as being in serious, but stable, condition. On January 10, her condition was upgraded to stable; and she continues to recover and remains under observation.
During the day on January 8, three officers with the LPD were conducting an investigation that led them to 813 N. 9th St. During the course of that investigation, it was determined that a subject who was wanted on a warrant was possibly residing or visiting the apartment. The homeowner was cooperative and allowed officers to search her apartment to show them the wanted person was not there.
Inside of the residence was a very large, very loud, and very protective dog. The dog was confined to a cage and the resident verified this for officers before the officers entered the home.
The three officers entered the apartment to search for the wanted subject. While searching the residence, the dog broke free from the cage, which caused the officers to flee the apartment to avoid a confrontation with the animal. As they fled out the door a round was discharged from one of the officer’s firearms.
The round traveled through the apartment door and struck Officer Butler in the back. Officer Butler was wearing a protective vest, however, the round struck her above the protected area. ~ per the LPD
Butler was transported to a local hospital for treatment where she was initially listed as being in serious, but stable, condition.
A review board regarding the shooting was convened on January 10.
As the investigation progressed, the LPD released the names of the two other officers that were on the scene with Butler. They were identified as Officer Kurt Sinks, an eleven-year veteran of the LPD and Officer Aaron Wright, a two-year veteran.
Initial findings of the investigation revealed the round that struck Officer Butler in the back came from Wright’s departmentally issued handgun. Both Officers immediately rendered aid to Officer Butler after she was shot.
Wright was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the findings in the internal investigation and the shooting review board.
The dog involved in this incident was not injured. The animal was temporarily placed in the Almost Home Humane Society facility so officers on scene could complete their investigation. The dog was returned to its home on January 9 after scene was released by LPD Crime Scene Investigators.
At a press conference held yesterday, Lafayette Police Chief Patrick Flannelly said that it was the conclusion of the investigation that the shooting “was not a result of an act of negligence, carelessness or otherwise reckless behavior,” and determined that the shooting was purely accidental in nature.
No disciplinary actions are expected to be brought against Officer Wright.
The department released the body cam footage of the shooting which is available below. Viewers can see Butler getting shot about three minutes into the video.
(Source: Lafayette Police Department)
~ Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
