JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The bodycam video from police pursuing 30-year-old Dejuane Hayden has been released by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, showing him holding a gun and running away with his back toward the police officer while being shot at.
The footage was released by JSO as part of a spliced-together video explainer posted to social media, including a pre-recorded "briefing" with no press present.
The video is introduced by Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, saying "Our agency has prepared this briefing consistent with this administration's commitment to openness and transparency to the public we serve."
Chief of Professional Standards Mike Shell then explains that Hayden was a suspect in the city's 2019 "Operation Rap Up" initiative, helmed by then-Sheriff Mike Williams and Mayor Lenny Curry. The operation cracked down on felons who could not legally possess guns, who JSO identified holding guns in music videos. On January 29, 2019, Williams announced six arrests as a result of the operation. He named three outstanding suspects, including Hayden, First Coast News reported at the time.
In the video, Shell adds that Hayden was allegedly a member of the 3200 block gang, which Williams has previously said became defunct thanks to arrests made by his administration.
Hayden was killed last Thursday after a pursuit that began on Justina Road. JSO says Hayden was part of a group of "known gang members" seen "flashing firearms" outside of a local business. Officers devised a plan to confront the group and detained two men, but Hayden ran.
The bodycam video shows what happened next: Officer Bradley Griffitts ran after Hayden, telling him to "get on the (expletive) ground." The footage shows the moment he yells "gun gun gun," and shoots Hayden seconds later, while Hayden ran with his back turned. JSO said Griffitts shot four times and one bullet struck Hayden.
The video shows Hayden drop his own weapon, which falls to the ground, several feet away from him. Hayden is able to get up and runs again, jumping over a fence between homes. Griffitts continues to tell him to "get on the (expletive) ground" and then abandons the pursuit, going to secure the fallen weapon.
Officer Anderson with JSO was called as backup and picked up the pursuit. Her bodycam is shown next.
She found him collapsed on the steps to a home in the 5700 block of Tall Pine Lane. She approached with her gun drawn and told him to "stay right (expletive) there" and not to "(expletive) move." She informs officers over the radio that Hayden has a gunshot wound.
In the video, she approaches and tells him to put his hands above his head.
Another officer comes and tells him to roll over, letting Hayden know they are going to help him. Blood can be seen on the stairs. Hayden tells them "I'm shot."
The officers tell Hayden they have first responders coming and they pat him down for weapons.
Bodycam from the paramedics who came to assist is shown. They are told Hayden has a gunshot wound to the chest. Hayden says that he can't breathe and continues to speak during the video.
JSO also provided a reaction to Facebook Live videos that were posted claiming to be from the shooting. Shell says the videos don't show the scene of the shooting.
More videos from the investigation leading to the pursuit is also included. JSO's video can be viewed below.