Questions remain after LPD releases shooting video
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Lansing Police Department has released body camera video of last week’s officer-involved shooting. Two officers and the suspect were shot in the legs.
The video shows the suspect grabbing an officer’s gun, but the suspect’s family says there’s not enough information.
The shooting happened last Wednesday, on the 2000 block of Holmes Road at a traffic stop.
Police say the suspect, 28-year-old Andrial Ortiz, tried to run away. They say they that’s where the struggle with police began.
Video released April 19 shows four officers attempting to subdue Ortiz as the traffic stop turned into a wrestling match. Ortiz is heard saying “You’ll have to kill me,” while struggling with officers who were attempting to get him in handcuffs.
At this point in the video, police say “He has a gun,” and a gunshot rings out. At this point, the video abruptly cuts off.
Police withheld all video of officers, who they say then shot back at the suspect. Ortiz’ family say they aren’t happy with this lack of disclosure.
They say police are withholding this information on purpose. Andrial’s brother, Antonio Ortiz, said police are leaving the picture incomplete.
“Just still some pieces missing to it, you know, especially with them stopping when the first shot was fired, and actually, did he shoot them?” said Antonio Ortiz. “We know our brother was shot three times in the leg, not once…we’d just like the police department to tell the truth, and just don’t show half it; show all of it–that’s it.”
6 News also reached out to former Eaton County Sheriff, Rick Jones, who reviewed the video and maintains that the Lansing Police Department’s actions were justified.
Cutting off the video was necessary, Jones said, as the investigation is ongoing.
“From viewing the video, I believe the violent suspect know he was going for a gun, and intentionally harmed the officers,” Jones said. “Obviously, he was very violent when the officers tried to make a legal arrest. Lansing police are a very professional police department…I am confident that the Michigan State Police will exonerate them once the investigation is complete.”
Antonio Ortiz went on to say that his family believes it was the detectives’ fault that the altercation ended that way.
Lansing police have declined any request for questions or comment.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor released a statement saying, “LPD and my administration do our best to provide information to the public, while ensuring the integrity of the investigation by MSP.”
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