TULSA --
Cell phone video posted to YouTube shows the scene before and after police shot and killed the suspect.
Police say the suspect wouldn't comply with demands when they asked him to drop his knife.
Police say after the suspect became more aggressive, they decided to tase him. Authorities say after tasing him didn't work, an officer shot him.
Police say using lethal force is the only way they could stop the suspect from potentially hurting innocent people.
"There's a lot of people around, an innocent person does not need to be stabbed, we don't need to be stabbed so at that point they decided there was only one option and that's the lethal force," said Sergeant Dave Walker.
Saturday, We the People released a statement on the organizations thoughts regarding use of force. Read the full statement below.
Yesterday in Tulsa an officer involved shooting resulted in the death of a man. Details are still forthcoming and an investigation must be completed. That investigation should include whether use of deadly force was necessary. The Tulsa Police Department policy manual states "The use of deadly force is not authorized when its use would constitute a greater threat to innocent human lives than the actions of the suspect. Officers or employees must always be aware of the probable and possible result of their use of force. Officers or employees are never justified in using deadly force in a reckless manner disregarding the safety of themselves, other officers or innocent bystanders. Officers or employees must identify and acquire the specific threat before using deadly force."
With so many bystanders and occupied vehicles in the area was it in the best interest of the public to use deadly force in such a populated area? The individual's body will be tested but we also believe the officers involved should be tested as well. Most employers require tests after an incident occurs on the job. Our law enforcement departments should do the same. We also believe that this investigation should be completed by the state and not local law enforcement.
“WE THE PEOPLE OKLAHOMA” will continue to push for transparency and accountability from our public officials. Solutions that improve the relationship between the community and those who have vowed to serve the community must be the priority. We will continue to work on behalf of the citizens of the great state of Oklahoma because when concerned citizens make their voices heard positive changes are made.
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