The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has made public the bodycam footage of a fatal shooting that occurred on May 29, involving 35-year-old Robert Salas. The incident took place at an abandoned Walgreens near Central and San Mateo after officers responded to a trespassing call.

The footage, which is 58 seconds long, begins with a female officer instructing Salas to show his hands. Another officer is heard commanding Salas to put down a knife. Salas is seen moving erratically behind a pillar before charging at an officer, at which point he is shot. The knife is visible on the ground in the video.

Chief Cecily Barker of the Albuquerque Police stated that officers repeatedly instructed Salas to drop the knife, with commands issued 11 times in total. Four gunshots were fired during the encounter. Barker noted that Salas was on probation and had a history of over 30 arrests, including charges of domestic violence and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Despite one officer having a Taser drawn, it was not deployed. Chief Barker emphasized the importance of officer safety, acknowledging community concerns while stressing the need for officers to return home safely.

Salas’ family and friends, who describe him as a hopeful and kind individual, are demanding the release of all related documents and footage, alleging wrongful death. Two candlelight vigils have been held in his memory, one in Albuquerque and another in his hometown of El Paso.

The police department plans to release additional footage and the names of the officers involved at a future news conference, though no date has been set.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.