California officials have released body camera footage from a high-profile car chase last year in which more than 70 shots were fired throughout a community as police targeted a fleeing suspect.
Police officers were alerted by family members about Eliuth Nava, a 50-year-old man who they said was possibly armed and disturbed while under the influence of drugs.
The suspect was in his truck when he was encountered by two officers, Sean Staymates and Kevin Pedersen.
Mr Pedersen, a probationary employee, was driving the police vehicle during the pursuit when he said he saw the suspect reaching down and retrieving what he believed was a gun.
The officer then unloaded his weapon through his front window towards the truck, as Mr Staymates retrieved a rifle. Mr Nava later died from his injuries.
Prosecutors at the local district attorney’s office have described the pair’s actions as “alarming and irresponsible”. Anaheim police chief Jorge Cisneros said in a statement Mr Peder was fired from the force and responsible for 80 per cent of the 76 total gunshots during the nearly two-and-a-half minute chase.
“His overall performance fell far short of the standards the community and the police department expects,” he added.
Mr Staymates was placed on leave.
Despite the prosecutors’ statements, the Orange County Register said prosecutors ultimately determined there was not sufficient evidence to charge either officer in the killing, the Associated Press reported.
A knife and air pistol were recovered by police officers. Mr Nava was found to have been hit by a total of nine bullets.
