Police release video timeline of fatal police shooting in April

FERGUSON, Missouri – St. Louis County police on Thursday released a video timeline of a “critical incident briefing” regarding a fatal shooting last month involving a Ferguson police officer.

The video, narrated by Lt. Col. Tim Cunningham, begins with a satellite image of a QuikTrip convenience store and the surrounding area in the 10700 block of West Florissant Avenue, where police said a Ferguson police officer shot and killed Joshua Campbell after Campbell shot the driver of a vehicle he was riding in.

“At approximately 1:33 a.m. (on April 16), two men traveling together in a white Ford Escape arrived at the convenience store… The driver, who is also the victim in this case, entered the store to make a purchase,” Cunningham said.

At about the same time, the officer parked his patrol car in front of the store.

Later surveillance video showed both men making purchases inside the store and returning to their vehicles several minutes later. The driver of the Escape, identified as Detarius Haynes, 26, drove toward the gas pumps before stopping.

As the officer walked to his SUV, he heard gunshots. He placed his groceries on the hood of his vehicle and ran to the Escape.

“The officer heard additional gunshots and observed a victim fall from the driver’s seat. An armed suspect exited the vehicle through the driver’s door,” Cunningham said.

Slowed-down video from the officer’s body camera showed him running toward the Escape with his service weapon drawn. Haynes’ body can be seen, albeit blurred, on the ground.

The officer gave the suspect “verbal commands,” which he ignored. The officer then fired his weapon, striking Campbell. Campbell, 18, ran toward West Florissant Avenue before collapsing, police said.

About 25 seconds after the incident began, the officer radioed dispatch that shots had been fired and the suspect was on the ground.

Cunningham said Campbell’s 9mm pistol and 10 shell casings were found at the scene.

Cunningham said the Ferguson officer was 37 years old and had eight years of police experience. The officer, who was not injured, fired eight shots at Campbell.

“Our officers are sworn to protect the community and act quickly in the face of imminent danger. While this incident is tragic, it highlights the difficult decisions officers must make in the line of duty. We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this incident,” Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle said in a statement.

Within 48 hours of the incident, Ferguson Police also activated its Civilian Review Board. The board is comprised of community members tasked with overseeing internal investigations of critical incidents.