The Eureka Police Department today released footage of the police shooting of Little Eagle Moon behind the Red Lion Inn on Dec. 30, as a task force attempted to take him into custody.

Moon, who was wanted on several violence-related charges, was injured in the shooting, but managed, after being hit, to flee, first by vehicle and then on foot, damaging several vehicles and the corner of the Red Lion Inn in his attempt to escape.

The footage is from the body camera worn by EPD Detective Joseph Couch, who was the only law enforcement officer on scene who was wearing a device.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Eureka Police Department issued a statement saying Officer Couch was prompted to open fire after Moon “began ramming law enforcement vehicles.” Though the footage shows Moon’s vehicle appears to be moving pretty slowly immediately before Couch fires six shots, it does confirm that as he attempted to escape the net of law enforcement cars that had surrounded him he did serious front-end damage to the one directly behind his. A map embedded in the video shows a Sheriff’s deputy standing next to the damaged car at the time.

“Fuck, dude, I think I shot him” says Couch to his partner, after Moon manages to free his vehicle and briefly escape.

As the video notes, the Humboldt County Critical Incident Response Team continues to investigate the case. When they’re finished, the case will be turned over to the District Attorney’s office, which will decide whether or not any charges against the officers are warranted.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

Pursuant to California Government Code §6254(f)(4), modified by Assembly Bill (AB 748), video and/or audio recordings depicting the discharge of a firearm at a person by a peace officer or custodial officer shall be made public within 45 days of the event by the agency provided the release would not significantly interfere with a criminal or administrative investigation.

The Eureka Police Department has released the body worn camera recording depicting the discharge of a firearm during the December 30, 2021 officer involved shooting. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/sj-U3uXqdG4

The Humboldt County Multi-Agency Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is continuing to investigate. This is an active criminal investigation and additional information will be released in accordance with California Penal Code 832.7.

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