Houston police release dash, bodycam video of a fatally shooting of an armed suspect during struggle

3 months ago
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0:00 - Bodycam 1
7:08 - Bodycam 2
11:15 - Weapon removed
11:18 - Dashcam and bodycam 1
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A man repeatedly asked officers to shoot him before one of them did, according to newly released body and dashcam video.

Police were called to a gas station in the 5700 block of the North Freeway on Aug. 7 for reports of two men trespassing.

They later discovered one of the men, 42-year-old Edmundo Meza, had warrants out for his arrest for traffic tickets.

The video shows Officer Jillian McGowan checking Meza's pockets before she realizes he has a gun.

"Put your hands behind your back. Don't move!" McGowan can be heard saying. "He's got a gun, he's got a gun!"

Meza repeatedly denies having a gun, although, after the shooting, officers retrieve one from his waistband.

Meza and both officers fall to the ground, and a struggle ensues.

McGowan repeatedly threatens to shoot Meza.

"I will shoot you. I will shoot you. Don't you (expletive) move!" McGowan said.

At this point, the officer has her gun lodged in Meza's stomach, and his arms are being pinned to the ground.

He continues resisting and repeatedly encourages McGowan to shoot him.

"I'd rather die than go to jail. 'Shoot me! Shoot me!'" he said.

It's at that point McGowan opens fire. The bullet pierces Meza's lungs and liver. He's pronounced dead at the hospital an hour later.

In a news release, HPD said Meza had "attempted to move his hands toward the pistol."

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