The Sunnyvale Police Department has revealed more information about the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man over the weekend, shedding light on the tragic incident that has left a family in mourning.

Events Leading to the Shooting

Reports of a Man with a Knife

The incident unfolded at the Plaza Del Rey mobile home park in Sunnyvale, California, after authorities received reports of a man wielding a knife. Witnesses described the man as running naked through the mobile home park, prompting concerns among residents.

Caller Identified as the Subject

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the individual with the knife had called 911 on himself. Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Chief Phan Ngo clarified that it wasn’t until later in the call that the dispatcher realized the caller was the same person reported to be carrying the knife.

Victim’s Mental Health Struggles

Family’s Account

The man involved in the shooting was identified as 19-year-old Emmanuel Perez. His family revealed that Perez had been grappling with mental health issues, exacerbated by the challenges of the pandemic. They also noted that Perez had previous interactions with law enforcement, including an instance where he was taken to the hospital for a mental health crisis.

Bodycam Footage Revealed

Police Response

The Sunnyvale Police Department released edited bodycam footage of the incident, providing insight into the events leading up to the fatal shooting. The footage shows officers instructing Perez to drop the knife multiple times before shots were fired.

Use of Force

Officer Kevin Lemor, who has been with the department for three and a half years, was involved in the encounter. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, Perez reportedly continued to advance towards the officer with the knife, leading to the use of deadly force.

Pending Investigation

Police Protocol and Response

Questions have been raised about the police response, particularly regarding the use of lethal force in such situations. While non-lethal methods of force, such as batons, tasers, and pepper spray, are available to officers, it remains unclear why these options were not utilized.

Family’s Response

Perez’s family, while awaiting the outcome of the police investigation, expressed their grief over the loss of their loved one. They remember Perez as a gentle and family-oriented individual who was actively seeking support for his mental health struggles.

Conclusion: Seeking Answers Amid Tragedy

The shooting death of Emmanuel Perez has sparked discussions about law enforcement’s handling of mental health crises and the use of force. As the investigation unfolds, Perez’s family and the community at large seek clarity and accountability, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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