This footage, provided by the Tallahassee Police Department, shows one of their officers, Caleb Babb, being severely wounded by a suspect’s gunfire. Although the timely and correct application of a tourniquet saved his life, this recording contains graphic, if brief, imagery, and therefore viewer discretion is advised.

Officer Babb is seen here responding to a drug-related home invasion in progress. As he chases a suspect, another suspect ambushes him from the front door at 0:47. Although Babb is initially hit in the right leg, he and the other officer return fire before retreating to cover. As Babb stoops to step through his pre-staged tourniquet, bright red arterial bleeding can be seen all over his leg. For perspective, Babb is wearing a black uniform at night and the blood is still bright and obvious, indicating the large amount and severe rapidity with which he is bleeding out. Had a tourniquet not been applied, by himself or a partner, it’s almost doubtless that he would have bled out in very short order.

Officer Babb did survive, however, and is well on the road to recovery. This footage was released in recognition of six months’ progress in his rehabilitation. All three suspects wanted in connection to the incident- including the shooter- were arrested within 10 days of the incident seen here.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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