Columbus Police Release More Video, Details in Ma’Khia Bryant Shooting

Police in Columbus Ohio released additional body-camera video footage Wednesday, showing an officer’s point of view in the shooting of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant. 

The body-camera of police officer Nick Reardon recorded his arrival at the scene late Tuesday afternoon. 

Bryant called 911 asking for assistance after a group of girls threatened her. 

"We need a police officer here now," a girl is heard telling a 911 operator in one recording, as yelling is heard in the background. "We got these ... grown girls over here, trying to fight us."

As the altercation escalated, Reardon drew his weapon, as shown in the video. Police said the video shows a girl trying to stab another to the ground. 

Police picked up what appeared to be a knife near the girl’s body, and an officer can be heard on camera saying: “she had a knife, she just went at her.” 

Interim Police Chief Michael Woods told reporters Wednesday: “It’s a tragedy. There’s no other way to say it. It’s a 16-year-old girl.” 

The case is being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Columbus authorities said they will be limited in their comments, NBC News reports. 

Woods said department policy allows officers to shoot if it is believed that someone’s life is in danger. 

“I cannot respond specifically to this specific incident,” he said. “But what I can say is that when officers are faced with someone employing deadly force, deadly force can be the response the officer gives.” 

Woods added that the officer would not have been required to give a warning. 

“We try, but it is not a policy requirement that you yell your intent to fire your weapon,” he said. “If there is time and opportunity, yes, we try and include that. But it is not a requirement if that time and opportunity is not there.”