Suffolk officers justified in the fatal shooting of Taiquell Woodson, who attacked an officer with a knife
By: The video shows a man identified by investigators as Taiquell Woodson attacking an officer with a knife and baton at a home on Udall Road in February.
A second officer uses a Taser, and a third then fires his gun. At least nine shots can be heard.
Woodson was killed, and one of the officers was stabbed multiple times in the arm. Police said at the time of the incident that the officer was saved by his bulletproof vest.
Officers were responding to a domestic incident. The video was released as part of an investigation, which is still pending.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said in a statement, “The decision by NYS Attorney General Tish James to release the video of this disturbing incident shows that the actions taken by our police officers were more than justified. The only reason we did not lose this officer is due to his protective vest and training. I’m proud to support our men and women in law enforcement who are keeping Suffolk County a safer place to live.”
Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association President Lou Civello agreed.