MESQUITE, TX - The Mesquite Police Department has released body camera footage showcasing the events leading to the shooting last week of 19-year-old Payton Lawrence. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, has prompted calls for transparency from Lawrence's family regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Sgt. Curtis Phillip, the department's public information officer, emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation in the video release. "We do not draw any conclusions about whether the officer acted consistent with our policies and the law until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete," Sgt. Phillip stated.
The nearly 14-minute video exhibits a series of events that transpired around 3 a.m. on December 14th. The sequence begins with a report to Mesquite Police Department dispatch about the theft of a silver Hyundai sedan from a residence.
The footage captures interactions between the driver of the stolen car and the driver of a Chrysler sedan before both vehicles stop at a gas station. Lawrence was reportedly in the driver's seat of the Chrysler.
As the officer arrives at the scene, interactions between the officer and the occupants of the Chrysler are recorded. Commands to "get on the ground" are heard as two individuals attempt to flee.
At this point in the video, Lawrence is seen with both hands raised in the driver's seat. The officer repeatedly instructs him not to move and attempts to get him to shut off the car, positioning himself with one hand on the vehicle's hood and the other pointing a gun toward the car.
When the car starts moving forward again, the officer fires three shots into the driver's seat, instructing Lawrence not to move prior to the shooting.
Attorney Lee Merritt, representing Lawrence's family, contended that the officer had reasons to investigate but not to use lethal force. Merritt asserted, "Officers are not allowed under the law to use deadly force to stop a vehicle from leaving a situation they don't want to stop in."
Following the incident, officers discovered multiple guns in the car, including a .45-caliber Llama handgun with two rounds on the driver's seat floorboard.
The Mesquite Police Department is continuing its investigation, with internal affairs involved, and plans to submit findings to the Dallas County District Attorney for review. The District Attorney's office has also dispatched its investigators to conduct an independent review.
The release of the video led to a gathering of protesters at police headquarters, advocating for justice for Lawrence.
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