Newly released bodycam footage shows the shows an officer screaming ‘I’m going to f****** kill him’ during a struggle between two California officers and man, which ended in the fatality of the suspect.
The incident began on Highway 85 between San Jose Police Department Sgt. Lee Tassio, Officer Matt Rodriguez and 29-year-old Andrew Roberts.
The Mercury News reports that authorities had been searching for Roberts, a felon with several gun charges, since an October traffic stop where he handed officers his drivers license before fleeing the scene.
This caused officers to open investigation by conducting surveillance on Roberts for around two weeks before the deadly exchange on November 9.
San Jose Police Department Sgt. Lee Tassio and Officer Matt Rodriguez pulled over Andrew Roberts (pictured) on November 9 for a traffic stop
Bodycam footage shows Rodriguez asking Roberts to exit a Lexus SUV moments after the suspect’s father, who was driving the car, opened the passenger door.
Roberts refuses to engage with Officer Rodriguez, opting instead to look at his phone.
When Rodriguez moves to arrest Roberts, he reaches for his waistband and appears to grab a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine.
‘Hey, hey, stop. Give me your [expletive] hand,’ Rodriguez says before shouting, ‘he’s got a gun!’
Roberts was reportedly carrying a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine when the two officers attempted to arrest him
The three men engage in a dramatic struggle resulting in Officer Rodriguez using his taser gun on Roberts during the ordeal
A dramatic struggle between Roberts and the two cops ensues as the three men grapple for the weapon.
At one point, Tassio, who was partnered with Rodriguez as part of the San Jose Police Department’s Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, is seen using his Taser on a resistant Roberts.
‘I got it!’ Rodriguez yells, as he manages to grab Robert’s hand that is holding the pistol and continues to struggle.
Tassio: ”I’m gonna f****** shoot you man. I’m gonna shoot. I’m gonna f****** kill him’
A third officer has pulled Robert’s father from the car and it’s then that Tassio threatens to shoot Roberts.
‘I’m gonna f****** shoot you man. I’m gonna shoot. I’m gonna f****** kill him,’ the officer shouts.
Andrew Roberts (pictured) had convictions for arson, auto theft, burglary grand theft and was a registered arsonist
Tassio then fires a single bullet that fatally wounds Roberts, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rodriguez’s body cam footage shows him finally retrieving the gun before dropping it onto the ground and letting out a yell.
Subsequently, all southbound lanes were closed as other authorities arrived to the scene, KTVU reports.
Police Chief Eddie Garcia called the dangerous incident ‘sobering’ and the most distressing struggle he’s seen in his three decades with the San Jose Police Department.
He said: ‘I’ll remember this one, especially when you think about all the possibilities. It’s sobering. It definitely makes you appreciate the men and women of this department and the work they’re doing.’
Garcia sent Roberts’ family his condolences during a press conference.
Pictured: the Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine Roberts had in his possession at the time of the incident
Pictured: authorities arriving to the scene on Highway 85 after Roberts was fatally shot
‘It’s an absolute tragedy. My heart goes (out) to his father, who was there… but this individual was not going to give up. This individual was armed, once again, with a firearm with an extended magazine, with a round in the chamber.
According to authorities, Roberts was a convicted of being a felon in possession with a handgun and ammunition in 2015, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison.
In 2017, Roberts was convicted of similar charges and sentenced to 32 months in prison.
He also had convictions for arson, auto theft, burglary grand theft and was a registered arsonist.
Tassio, a veteran of nearly two decades, and Rodriguez, an 11-year veteran, were placed on administrative leave following the incident.
The shooting is being reviewed by the San Jose Police Department’s homicide unit and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
This year, there have been four fatal officer-involved shootings in San Jose.