This footage from Madison County, Indiana, shows their Sheriff's Department serving an arrest warrant on a suspect. The suspect had various counts of probation violation, having previously been convicted of strangulation and sexual battery. These charges were pled down from multiple counts of rape and criminal confinement, from which violent tendencies can be inferred. During his arrest, the suspect tried to draw a handgun on prepared Sheriff's Deputies, and was shot and killed. Due to the nature of the suspect's crimes and the death shown, viewer discretion is advised.

As the deputies arrive to serve the arrest warrant, the suspect, 44-year-old Lataurus Harrison, is found sitting in a white sedan, talking on his phone. Given Harrison's history, the deputies are showing an elevated caution, immediately drawing weapons. They give him several commands to put down the phone and unlock the car, which Harrison ignores. This prompt a deputy to bash in the driver's window with his baton.

As the deputy prepares to break the window, Harrison begins to reach in his pocket. The deputies warn Harrison in no uncertain terms that if he reaches, he will be shot. At 01:24, one of the deputies notices they have put themselves in a cross-fire situation, and has the presence of mind to alert his partner. However, while they're dealing with that, Harrison continues to try and cheat to his pocket. He draws, and the deputies open fire at 01:28. We then see the incident from the perspectives of the other involved deputies.

Despite immediate medical care and transport, Harrison was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at an area hospital. A semi-automatic handgun was found in the driver's seat he had been occupying. Harrison's family has challenged the legitimacy of this use of force action, claiming it unreasonable to believe that the deputies could see the handgun from the angles presented in the released footage. While I am not a lawyer, this seems unlikely to hold water. An investigation into how the serial, violent offender was able to procure the handgun is in progress.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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