Bodycam Footage Reveals Police-Involved Shooting of Ethan Freeman in Thornton, New Hampshire

Location: Thornton, New Hampshire
Date: October 19, 2020
Time:

Description:

In Thornton, New Hampshire, a distressing incident unfolded involving Officer Matthew Yao of the Thornton Police Department and a local resident, Ethan Freeman. Officer Yao responded to a 911 call at a residence on Four Wheel Drive, made by the homeowner regarding his tenant, Freeman, who had injured himself and was experiencing chest pain.

Earlier that day, Officer Yao had already encountered Freeman at a local school, where Freeman had requested an ambulance. That interaction was cooperative and brief. However, upon arriving at Freeman's apartment later, Officer Yao found a drastically different scenario. Freeman was behaving erratically, yelling obscenities, and making threats while in a disturbed state – naked, bleeding, and acting aggressively.

Officer Yao, while maintaining a safe distance and attempting to de-escalate the situation, witnessed Freeman jump through a window of his apartment, still naked and aggressive. Despite Officer Yao's repeated commands for Freeman to stay back, Freeman continued to advance towards him. Faced with an imminent threat and believing Freeman could disarm and harm him, Officer Yao, unable to safely switch to non-lethal options, shot Freeman when he was about ten feet away. Freeman succumbed to the gunshot wounds.

This entire encounter was recorded on Officer Yao's body camera, providing a clear account of the events. The landlord, who had initially called for assistance, also witnessed the incident. Officer Yao later stated that he fired his weapon in self-defense, fearing for his life based on Freeman's actions and threats.

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This video is intended for educational purposes only