“CPD Body Camera Footage Raises Questions in Recent Shooting”

By Trend News Line 2024-06-13 13:00:00.

Who was Noel Hernandez?

Noel Hernandez was a 44-year-old man who tragically lost his life in a police-involved shooting in Columbus, Ohio. He was a father of two and a hard-working member of the community. Friends and family describe him as a loving and caring person who always put others before himself. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, and they are left grappling with the loss of a beloved family member and friend.

The Incident

Late Monday night, several Columbus police officers responded to calls of a man walking around the Georgesville Road area, in west Columbus, with what people thought was a knife. Three 911 calls were placed, claiming that a man, later identified as Noel Hernandez, was approaching and pounding on vehicles with a knife in his hand. The officers arrived on the scene and attempted to deescalate the situation by ordering Hernandez to show his hands and drop his weapon in both English and Spanish. Despite their efforts, Hernandez did not comply and instead charged at the officers with his weapon. In response, five officers fired their weapons, shooting and killing Hernandez.

Police Response

In a press conference following the incident, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated that the officers involved followed proper protocol. She emphasized that officers are trained to respond to imminent threats and make split-second decisions based on the information available to them at the time. The five officers are currently not working and are under investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Community Reaction

The death of Noel Hernandez marks the sixth police-involved death in Columbus this year. Members of the community have expressed mixed reactions to the incident, with some questioning the police response and others calling for systemic change. Social justice organizations, such as Justice, Unity and Social Transformation (JUST Ohio), have called for a reevaluation of police protocols and training to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The city’s mobile response unit, which pairs public health officials with police officers to deescalate crisis situations, was unavailable on the night of the shooting.

Conclusion

The death of Noel Hernandez has sparked conversations about police training, protocol, and the need for community-based responses to crisis situations. As the investigation into the incident continues, friends and family are left mourning the loss of a beloved father, son, and friend. The community is calling for accountability and transparency in the aftermath of this tragic event..

1. Body camera footage from CPD involved shooting
2. Body camera footage from another CPD shooting incident.