A Lowes surveillance camera and body camera footage released by the Tucson Police Department (TPD) on November 30th, 2021, shows the moments an officer shot and killed 61-year-old Richard Lee Richards after a shoplifting incident. Prior to the shooting, Richards reportedly made numerous threats toward Wal-Mart employees with his knife.

In a statement released by TPD, Richards had grabbed a toolbox from inside the store. Upon leaving the store, Richards was asked by an employee to show proof of purchase but refused. Instead, Richards brandished a knife, reportedly stating "Here's your receipt".

As indicated in the communications with dispatch, Richards again pulled a knife on TPD officers. Two officers pursued Richards from the Wal-Mart parking lot into the Lowes parking lot. Still armed with a knife, Richards continued to maneuver his scooter toward the Lowes Home & Garden entrance, where two officers commanded him to stop.

Refusing commands, officers increased the threat level for bystander safety and utilized lethal force to neutralize Richards. A total of nine shots were fired into Richards, fatally wounding him.

On November 30th, TPD has moved forward with terminating the officers employment with the department for an excessive use of deadly force. Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus provided the following statement: "His use of deadly force in this incident is a clear violation of department policy and directly contradicts multiple aspects of our use of force training. As a result, the department moved earlier today to terminate the Officer involved"

What are your thoughts on the situation? Do you think the officer should have at least attempted less lethal? Do you believe he was justified after being threatened? Or do you stand with the Police Department on their decision to release this officer from service. Let us know in the comments below.