By Joanna Putman
Police1
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Tallahassee Police Department has released body camera footage of a suspect shooting an officer with the officer’s service weapon.
The March 8 incident began when officers ordered Willis Adams, 36, to leave a hotel, according to the video release. Video shows an officer giving Adams a card.
“They already refunded you, I made sure they did that,” the officer told Adams.
The officer then informed Adams that he needed to remove his belongings from the hotel room and assisted him for more than an hour, according to the release. Adams, shirtless and speaking erratically, continually insisted that “the charges were dropped” and that he would return to the hotel.
The officer repeatedly warned Adams that if he returned, he would be arrested. He tells Adams to lock up the car with his possessions and leave the property.
About 10 minutes later, one of the initial responding officers spotted Adams trying to enter the property on foot. He approached Adams, who informed the officer he was on the phone with 911 dispatch and dared him to deploy his TASER “for no reason,” video shows.
As Adams continued to run away, the officer deployed his TASER, which did not appear to have any effect on Adams. Adams then hit the officer twice with a metal can, according to the release.
The officer then used a baton in an attempt to keep Adams at a distance. Adams was able to knock the baton from the officer’s grasp.
“I will hurt you,” Adams can be heard yelling at the officer.
The officer and Adams then get into a physical altercation. During the struggle, Adams was able to climb on top of the officer and lock his arm around his neck, according to the release. The officer then retrieved his firearm, which Adams grabbed and attempted to wrestle away from the officer.
A bystander can be seen stopping and attempting to help the officer. The officer’s firearm discharges, striking the officer in the hand, according to the release. Adams then picked up the firearm and walked away with it.
“Dispatch, he’s got my gun, he’s got my gun,” the officer said. “I’m shot.”
The officer was treated for the gunshot wound and is expected to recover. Adams was arrested and charged with attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, according to the release.
