Video shows deadly confrontation between man, Anaheim police

Anaheim police shot a man to death Dec. 12 after he wrestled a gun away from an officer, according to a video released by the Anaheim Police Department on Saturday, Jan. 25.

Until now, police have not publicly disclosed why they shot Taevonte Art Emmanuel.

“He’s trying to take my gun – trying to take my gun,” the officer can be heard shouting on the video as he and two other officers fought the man. The officer’s uniform-mounted camera is pointed toward the ceiling of a parking garage during the fight, indicating that the officer was likely on his back. “He’s got it! He’s got it!” the officer then yells.

Moments later, at least six shots can be heard. Emmanuel, 34, of Anaheim, is then shown lying face down. He died at a hospital, Anaheim police said. No officers were reported shot.

Investigations by the Police Department and Orange County District Attorney’s Office are ongoing, Deputy Chief Rick Armendariz said in the video.

“We withhold judgment and do not draw any conclusions about whether or not our officers acted in a manner consistent with our policies and in accordance with the law until all the facts are known and the investigations are complete,” Armendariz said.

Officers were called to an apartment complex near East Street and Lincoln Avenue about 10 p.m. when a woman reported that a man was screaming and banging on her door and windows, demanding to be let in. Officers learned that the man’s wife had taken refuge in the apartment after she said her husband hit her, causing her to bleed. The man and his wife left before officers arrived.

Emmanuel is later shown on a balcony, walking away from officers after they asked to speak with him. They caught up with him at the entrance to the underground garage, where he refused commands to sit down and later to allow himself to be handcuffed.

“I’m not putting my hands behind my back,” Emmanuel said.

Two officers then attempted to grab his arms. Emmanuel fought, and an officer shouted, “Stop resisting!” Moments later, the officer said Emmanuel was attempting to take his gun, and then said Emmanuel had it.

One officer then yells, “Move! Move! Move! Move! Move! Move!” before the gunfire is heard. The video shows officers handcuffing the man and then providing medical attention until paramedics arrived.

Two of the officers’ cameras were knocked off their uniforms and landed lens-down during the fight, though they continued to record audio, Sgt. Jacob Gallacher said in the video. The officers’ names were not disclosed.

Emmanuel had convictions for drug and firearms violations, burglary, receiving stolen property and domestic violence, Armendariz said.