Bodycam footage shows details of fatal Adams County shooting
Mario Ortega, 35, was shot and killed by police on July 14
“Dude, put the… he’s got a gun, he’s got a gun,” the Adams County deputy yells before firing off four shots, leaving a man, 35-year-old Mario Ortega, dead.
The shooting occurred on July 14 at the Lakeside Motel in unincorporated Adams County. Newly released bodycam footage now depicts the moments right before the death of Ortega.
According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, there was no call for service to the location when the deputy arrived. He was said to have self-dispatched.
When the bodycam footage begins, Ortega is pacing in front of the deputy. The deputy is pointing his gun at the suspect, commanding him to get on the ground.
Ortega moves his hands to his pockets, despite the officer’s orders, and pulls out what appears to be a gun. He places the object against his head, as if to shoot himself. He pulls what looks like the holster off of the gun. The deputy fires.
The deputy then calls for backup, handcuffs Ortega and begins chest compressions.
Ortega died soon after.
“He pulled a gun, he put it to his head, he had a holster on it. He grabbed the holster on it like he was going to pull it off and turn it on me,” the deputy explained to a fellow officer. “I’m the only one that shot.”
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said the deputy has been placed on administrative leave.