Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Officials from the Buffalo Police Department released body cam footage on Tuesday of an officer-involved shooting in the city's East Side neighborhood on Saturday. The incident took place along Broadway near Liddell Street at around 4:40 p.m.
In the footage released by police, it shows officers being flagged down by a pedestrian, who was pointing out a suspect wanted for the stabbing of her boyfriend that allegedly happened the day before on May 22.
As they approached the suspect along Broadway, officers observed the man - identified as 35-year-old Derrick Harris of Buffalo - wielding a pair of scissors in his left hand and a box cutter in his right hand.
Officer Simonian, who was riding in the same patrol vehicle with Officer Slupinski, confronted Harris immediately, and tried to talk him down. After Harris failed to drop the box cutter and scissors, Officer Simonian pulled out his department-issued sidearm, prompting the suspect to then tell officers to "shoot me!"
After Officer Simonian attempted to detain Harris, body cam footage shows Harris stabbing the officer in the back with the box cutter. At the same time, Officer Slupinski deploys his taser, which was able to bring Harris down to the ground.
Following a brief attempt to further detain Harris and arrest him, the man breaks free from both officers and then runs into traffic on Broadway while still holding onto the weapons.
Both officers then pursued Harris into the street before Officer Simonian discharged his firearm twice, striking Harris in the torso and hip area.
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After rendering first aid to Harris, he, along with Officer Simonian, were taken to Erie County Medical Center, where their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Harris has since been charged with first-degree robbery for robbing a Lyft driver, while additional charges remain pending.
The Buffalo Police Department continues to work with the Erie County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Attorney General's Office with regards to this incident. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave, as per department protocol.
Anyone with further information regarding this incident is asked to call or text the confidential tip line at (716)-847-2255.
