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Newly released bodycam footage has the public up in arms over a Houston, Texas police officer’s actions.
On December 4, Officer Orlando Hernandez of the Houston Police Department struck and killed 62-year-old Michael Wayne Jackson.
The new bodycam video shows Hernandez speeding down the road, losing control of the vehicle, and striking Jackson on the sidewalk.
WARNING: graphic images
Bodycam footage shows the high-speed moments before Houston cop Orlando Hernandez drove his police cruiser onto a sidewalk and killed 62-year-old Michael Wayne Jackson, who was walking to his barber on Dec. 4.pic.twitter.com/QGJ2108COf— Law & Crime (@Law & Crime) 1641329294
On December 30, the Houston Police Department released the video clips from bodycams worn by Officer Orlando Hernandez and his partner Anthony Aranda. The two officers are 25 years old, with less than five years on the force for each officer.
Hernandez was driving the police cruiser at over 80 mph on a 40 mph road. The officers were driving with lights and sirens to help another officer apprehend five individuals suspected of being involved in a carjacking. The suspects were fleeing on foot.
Hernandez swerved to avoid other vehicles on the road, driving on the sidewalk, where he hit Jackson, killing him.
What was his right hand doing? Why was only one hand on the wheel?\nThe officer on the radio sounds panicked...why for a carjacking?— Lily Scott (@Lily Scott) 1641329723
A newspaper in Florida investigated cops speeding (2012):\n\n"almost 800 cops drove above 90 mph in a 13-month period [...] Officers exceeding the speed limit in FL have caused at least 320 crashes and 19 deaths since 2004"\n\nIt's a rampant problem, they just get a slap on the wrist— Tohu Maskiaph (@Tohu Maskiaph) 1641397206
it said they were under five year in service, but you shouldn't even be in service until you're trained to be able to care for those in danger.— LadyMarigold - commissions open! (@LadyMarigold - commissions open!) 1641330399
WhY DiD hE nOt cOmPlY— ________ (@________) 1641404540
Suspect:0 bodies \nOfficers: 1 body— RiFF RAFF JR (@RiFF RAFF JR) 1641415652
Hernandez can be heard yelling expletives after hitting Jackson, the impact shattering the windshield. The officers called for backup.
Another officer arrived on the scene and performed chest compressions. However, Jackson was later declared dead at the scene.
Hernandez and Aranda were both on administrative duty pending an investigation, but it was set to only last 3 days.
Commenters online felt this was inadequate.
Probably shouldn\u2019t be traveling at those speeds on a residential street regardless of training— Jaden Halstead (@Jaden Halstead) 1641352438
Idc if it's high speed chase or not cops just need to let ppl go in these situations. You're only making the situation more dangerous going 80 in a 40 zonehttps://twitter.com/lawcrimenews/status/1478468334710628353\u00a0\u2026— brady roth (@brady roth) 1641329924
At some point we need to seriously consider when it's appropriate for police to speed through traffic and intersections like this. Car jackings are property crimes once the victim is safe.\n\nEven ambulances and fire trucks - who are literally saving lives - exercise more caution.— Scott Wilson (@Scott Wilson) 1641413853
I came here for that comment— Ameri Can (@Ameri Can) 1641414251
One of my friends in college had half a year left before he became a cop\u2026he had bashed some dudes head in with a hammer about 4 years prior. He straight up told me they just take anyone and bypass them through testing and give them a talking to if they have a record— \ud835\udd41ules\u2077 (@\ud835\udd41ules\u2077) 1641352481
Doug Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers' Union, said:
“Officers were responding to an assist while chasing robbery suspects. It's my belief that the officers left the road to avoid a collision and never saw the citizen. Truly sad for all involved.”
It is still unknown at this time if the district attorney’s office will pursue charges against the officer.