WASHINGTON — The family of Turell Campbell said they hold no anger towards the U.S. Park Police officer who shot and killed him. However, they still have questions.
The federal law enforcement agency released new body camera footage Monday of a deadly foot chase involving Campbell, nearly one month after the incident. The edited video captured the officer rushing out of his vehicle to chase after Campbell, who was suspected of a drug violation.
The chase began near 12th Street Northwest near Massachusetts Avenue around 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 22. When they turned onto M Street, you hear the officer yell, “Get down! You’re gonna get hurt!”
“No I’m not,” Campbell responded.
After more than a dozen shots fired between the two, the officer frantically calls for help. Police said Campbell could be seen holding his gun and pointing it at the officer during the chase.
The officer has since been released from the hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Loved ones said Campbell was shot multiple times in the leg before he died. It’s unclear who fired their gun first.
“We’re not mad at the officer,” said Rhonda Campbell, Turell Campbell’s aunt. “It’s your life on the line. We understand. He’s scared for his life and he’s not going to let someone else take it.”
Although they understand the officer’s actions, the family said the edited video doesn’t provide enough clarity for them to feel closure. They want to see more of the moments that sparked the chase after Turell Campbell.
“You don’t hear ‘stop, it’s police’” Rhonda Campbell told WUSA9. “You don’t hear what’s the reason. Why are you chasing him?”
A police report said a bag of what appeared to be cocaine was found at the scene.
The family also questions if more could've been done to keep Turell Campbell alive since he was shot in the leg multiple times.
Although you don't see it on camera, Park Police say they immediately began CPR.
The officer's identity has not been released and the shooting remains under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department. The findings will also be reviewed by the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.