Author: Mike Callahan
By PoliceOne Staff
VALLEJO, Calif. — Recently released body cam footage shows the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding man who led a pursuit.
In August 2017, 45-year-old Jeffrey Barboa, who was wanted in connection to an armed robbery, led police on a high-speed pursuit, the East Bay Times reported. After crashing on a highway, Barboa is seen on video carrying a large knife and walking toward officers.
The officers yell commands, which Barboa ignores, before shooting the suspect. The footage ends just before the first shots are fired.
A forensic examiner said Barboa had 41 gunshot wounds, 37 of which were direct hits and four being graze wounds. Methamphetamine was found in the suspect’s body.
During an inquest hearing on Barboa’s death in March, the jury ruled that Barboa’s death was a suicide. Two officers testified during the hearing that Barboa screamed “kill me” as he walked toward officers.
“It’s a difficult and tragic event all around,” said Vallejo police Capt. Lee Horton. “We agree with the findings of the coroner’s inquest that it was suicide via gunshot.”
