Police in Arizona have released dashcam video in which an officer is seen using his cruiser to run down an armed suspect walking beside the road.
The two videos show the view from police cruisers as they follow suspect Mario Valencia down a street in Marana, a town northwest of Tucson, on Feb 19. (Warning: Some may find the video disturbing.)
Valencia had allegedly stolen a rifle from a local Walmart, according to local TV station KOLD. He is seen firing it into the air as police follow at a distance.
“One round just went out — into the sky,” an officer in the first cruiser is heard saying over the radio. “It’s definitely unlocked now. He’s definitely loaded.”
The officer is then heard telling a colleague in the second cruiser to stay back.
“Stand off, the gun is loaded.”
At that point the other cruiser speeds forward and drives straight into Valencia, who is tossed violently into the air. Police also released video from the second cruiser.
“Jesus Christ! Man down,” the first officer says.
Valencia was seriously injured, but survived the incident, according to KOLD. He faces 15 charges.
Police allege he was dangerous, possibly suicidal, and had been on a crime spree that morning.
The officer has been identified as Michael Rapiejko. Warren said Rapiejko was put on a standard administrative leave because the incident was considered use of force. The Pima County Attorney’s Office cleared Rapiejko of any wrongdoing and he is back on the force, Warren said.
