Bodycam Video Shows Alleged Walmart Shoplifter Shooting at Police

Police body camera footage shows an alleged shoplifting suspect firing shots at a police officer in a Walmart parking lot.

Charles Edward Purvis, 23, is seen apparently firing gunshots after allegedly shoplifting from the store in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to KOAT.

The camera footage shows an officer approaching Purvis as he is walking out of the Walmart. Then, he takes off running into the parking lot as the officer pursues him.

After several seconds of running, Purvis then takes out what appears to be a handgun and fires several shots.

Two officers involved in the foot pursuit were identified as Brock Knippwrath and rookie officer Kyle Frederickson, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Neither were injured in the incident.

“We have viewed the lapel video,” Albuquerque Police officer Simon Drobik told KOB-TV. “We’re damn lucky an officer didn’t get killed tonight. After looking at that video, I can tell you that.”

“All our actions are based on his actions, so him firing at us, him fleeing from us, creates a response from us. A response at that time, because he had used that weapon in a crime against an officer, was to set up a huge perimeter and get him into custody,” said Drobik, KOAT reported. Drobik said it is amazing that no one was hurt.

Police continued to chase after Purvis, who climbed a fence.

“It’s very concerning, especially with the young kids. I’m thankful my wife was out doing stuff with the kids, instead of being stuck here when it happened, and then getting stuck inside the perimeter,” witness Colin McClung told KOAT.

Purvis was tracked to an empty home by police, who later forced him out using gas before arresting him, KOAT reported.

The station reported that Purvis has been arrested three other times in 2018. He was charged in two separate incidents in 2014 and once in 2016.

In 2018, Purvis was arrested on a felony stolen vehicle charge, battery, and twice for shoplifting.

“We’re running into these guys time and time again. These guys with these massive charges on them, huge felony charges, and we’re coming across them and use of force is going to be utilized to stop them,” Drobik said.

According to KOAT, in the alleged Walmart parking lot shooting, Purvis now faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault with intent to commit a violent felony against a police officer.

Police body camera footage shows an alleged shoplifting suspect firing shots at a police officer in a Walmart parking lot. (Albuquerque Police)

Traffic Stops Dangerous for Police

In early August, a video was released by police in Pennsylvania, showing a man opening fire on two officers. One of the officers was critically wounded in the incident.

The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund (pdf) says traffic stops are notoriously dangerous for police officers in the United States. The leading causes for officers being shot and killed in 2017 occurred when they were responding to domestic incidents and while conducting traffic stops, the group’s annual report says.

“The leading circumstances of firearms-related fatalities were officers responding to domestic disturbances and conducting traffic stops,” the memorial fund says.

And, according to the most recent figures published by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, “A greater percentage of male drivers (12 percent) than female drivers (8 percent) were stopped by police during 2011.” It adds: “In 2011, about 3 percent of traffic stops led to a search of the driver, the vehicle, or both. Police were more likely to search male drivers (4 percent) than female drivers (2 percent).”