UPDATED 12/18/14 12:00 P.M. –
NORMAN, Okla. – The Norman Police Department has released a recording of the 911 call involving the recent officer-involved shooting.
Norman police say a female officer feared for her life just before firing three bullets at a man who was carrying a hammer.
UPDATE: Authorities in Norman have released the name of the officer involved in the shooting of a man earlier this week.
Capt. Tom Easley, with the Norman Police Department, says MPO Heather Glazier shot Martin Sanchez-Juarez on Sunday morning.
Glazier has served with the department since 2008.
NORMAN, Okla. – Norman police say a female officer feared for her life just before firing three bullets at a man who was carrying a weapon on Sunday morning.
It all started when authorities received a 911 call at 11:33 a.m. on Sunday from a caller who said a family member was out of control and “breaking stuff.”
When officers arrived, they say 34-year-old Martin Sanchez-Juarez was walking on the street near his home.
Capt. Tom Easley, with the Norman Police Department, says Sanchez-Juarez was carrying a modified sledgehammer.
Easley says he refused when the officer told him to put it down.
“He continued to approach,” Easley said. “He did not drop the hammer and took a swing with the hammer and knocked off the passenger side rear view mirror [of the patrol car.]”
Easley says the suspect continued to move toward the officer, who was taking cover behind her patrol car.
When she felt threatened, she fired three shots.
“It’s reasonable to believe, based on the evidence we have right now, that he could cause death or serious bodily injury to the officer or to other people at that point,” he said.
Right now, 34-year-old Martin Sanchez-Juarez is in critical condition at OU Medical Center.
Chief Keith Humphrey, with the Norman Police Department, released a statement on Monday about the shooting.
“The Norman Police Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life within the City. Our department is also committed to being transparent to all community partners. I believe the timely release of preliminary details, if feasible, of major incidents reduces rumors or adverse perceptions toward law enforcement.
“Although the investigation is in its early stages, it is important for me as the chief of police to ensure our community that a thorough investigation of the actions of the officer and suspect is being conducted. At this time, I have no reason to doubt that the actions of the officer involved were justified. This investigation, just as any other incident in which force is used, will not be rushed. Both an internal and criminal investigation are being investigated concurrently, and our department takes the use of any amount of force used by our officers very seriously. We also believe that it is vital that we reassure our community that members of NPD will not abuse or damage the trust that our citizens have placed in us.”
The officer’s name is being withheld until Wednesday, Capt. Easley said.
The suspect’s family was not home when we knocked on their door.