Police in Dayton, Ohio, released body camera footage showing a traffic stop that ended in the fatal shooting of a 44-year-old man. The incident occurred near N. St. Clair and E. Third Streets.
The man, identified as Reginald Thomas, was riding a bicycle when an officer on routine patrol stopped him for a traffic violation, according to the Dayton Police Department and WHIO-TV. Thomas repeatedly tried to show his identification, even though the officer did not request it, and initially denied having a weapon.
The video shows Thomas jumping off his bicycle and fleeing from the officer. After being caught and taken to the ground, Thomas appeared to have a firearm in his hand, prompting the officer to yell, “He’s got a gun! He’s got a gun!” Following a struggle, Thomas dropped the weapon and initially complied with police orders.
When the officer attempted to handcuff him, Thomas resisted, and during the ensuing struggle, he reached for the gun again. A second officer arriving for backup fired a single shot that struck Thomas. He was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, where he later died.
Both officers involved in the incident have three years of service, commendations, and no prior discipline, police said. Post-incident images show the recovered firearm, a loaded magazine, and Thomas’s mugshot, which indicates prior convictions for resisting arrest, assault, and aggravated menacing.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will lead a criminal investigation and present findings to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. The Dayton Police Department’s Professional Standards Bureau will conduct an internal administrative review.
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