Man shot, killed by Maricopa police officers; new bodycam video released

New bodycam video released in Maricopa police shooting

Maricopa Police have released body camera video nearly a month after a man was shot and killed by an officer. He had called 911 saying that he wanted to hurt himself.

MARICOPA, Ariz. - The Maricopa Police Department has released body camera footage of a man who was shot and killed by police back in March.

Shooting happened in neighborhood

Police say they responded to a residence in the Homestead community near White and Parker and Honeycutt roads at around 8 a.m. a.m. on March 27 after they received reports of an armed man who was reportedly suicidal at the front yard of a home.

"Once on scene, the suspect began making threats towards officers in an attempt to engage them. As the suspect advanced towards officers into the street, an MPD Officer fired her duty weapon, striking the suspect," the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

The man, 56-year-old Lawrence Knudsen, was taken to the hospital where he died.

Neighbors react

A neighbor just a few houses down says she was able to figure out which house it happened at when she woke up.

"Over there by the landscaper, that’s the landscaper's house. We know because he has a car like a landscape car. And then I came out, and I saw, and I told my mom it might be really bad. We don’t know much people here. I just know the two neighbors because we’ve been here for over five years, but it’s very quiet here," the neighbor said.

Police release new details

Maricopa Police officials revealed new details on the case, in an incident debrief video that was released on April 26.

In the video, it was revealed that the incident began with a 911 call from Knudsen, who said he wanted to carry out self-harm, and that he was armed with a handgun.

"Nobody is listening to me," said Knudsen, who then hung up.

"Mr. Knudsen would repeatedly hang up the phone, and the dispatcher would call back," read a caption on the video. "He made conflicting statements during the multiple calls."

Officials said Knudsen later indicated he was outside his home, armed, and waiting for officers to arrive.

Eventually, officials said three officers arrived at the scene, and Knudsen walked in the direction of the officers. In the video, he can be heard shouting profanities at the officers.

In body camera video released by police, Knudsen was seen holding a black object in his right hand, which was later determined to be a vape pen. After the shooting, officials say officers began rendering medical aid until paramedics arrived. A handgun as later found on the tailgate of Knudsen's pickup truck.

Officials say the department will conduct an administrative review to determine if the actions of the officers involved are in line with department policies. An investigation by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office is ongoing.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line).

CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support.