Police Shoot and Kill an Alleged Disabled Man in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as Neighbors Scream that He is Deaf
A tragic alleged police shooting occurred on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Police officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department went to the home of 35-year-old Magdiel Sanchez in response to some information about a possible hit-and-run suspect. The driver of a green truck was allegedly involved in a crash and then left the scene. Sanchez was on his front porch when police arrived. He had a pipe in his hand, and it appeared to be purposed as a “fairly large weapon,” according to police. He wasn’t just holding the pipe, however. It was tied to his wrist so that it wouldn’t easily come off, according to Police Chief Bill Citty. A police officer who showed up at the scene called for backup. Another officer arrived, and both officers allegedly shouted the command to drop the pipe. Sanchez continued to approach the officers as the officers continued yelling and neighbors yelled that Sanchez couldn’t hear. Then one officer fired his Tazer at the suspect. Only one prong hit Sanchez. At that point, the second police officer fired his handgun. First aid was immediately administered, but Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene.
This alleged police shooting immediately began to draw criticism. Citty explained that the officers on the scene had not been issued body cameras. The incident was not caught on any type of video until after the shooting occurred.
The officer who used the firearm is on paid administrative while the alleged police shooting is being investigated.
A family member explained that Sanchez was deaf, developmentally impaired, and couldn’t speak. He carried the pipe around to shoo away stray dogs that frequently roam the neighborhood.
Police said that it turned out that the vehicle they were checking on actually was involved in a hit-and-run incident and the driver faces a misdemeanor.
Citty said the police department has contacted the Oklahoma Association for the Deaf and requested advice on improving police training related to dealings with deaf individuals.
As with every post on this website, we are only providing information in this post and do not make any allegation or assertion that anyone acted inappropriately or engaged in misconduct.
–Guest Contributor
smchugh
smchugh