Tulsa police released a video on Monday of David Ware shooting two police officers during a June traffic stop. A district court judge has previously sealed video of the shooting, but reversed that decision after Ware’s attorney contested police and prosecutors' retelling of the event.
Ware shot the officers after arguing and physically fighting them to avoid getting out of his car. Officer Aurash Zarkeshan and Sgt. Craig Johnson planned to tow the vehicle.
In the video, the officers tased and pepper sprayed Ware multiple times. When Ware was finally forced out of the car, he shot both officers multiple times and fled.
Sgt. Johnson died from his wounds and Zarkeshan is still recovering.
Ware’s defense attorney accused the police of manipulating facts to make the shootings appear to have been committed in a "cold, calculated manner."
Tulsa police initially said in court documents that Ware shot both officers and then stood over Johnson and shot him three more times. The police also said Ware walked away calmly.
In the video, Ware appears to fire one more shot at Johnson before backpedaling away from the scene.
The officer who submitted the description acknowledged the inaccuracy in a follow-up report.
Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin said at a news conference his department made a mistake while trying to relay information quickly after the shooting. He said it wasn’t intentional.
The Frontier has posted https://youtu.be/2M_EFYeg9Qs" target="_blank">the 10 minute video here as a public record and matter of public interest. Please be advised the final minute contains the graphic shootings.
