Anthony Yates
An Orlando man was fatally injured last month after officers claimed he charged at them with a pair of scissors in an unprovoked attack. Authorities have now released the suspect’s identity and bodycam footage of the altercation.
Videos by Rare
What happened: According to a news release by the Orlando Police Department, the incident occurred near West Amelia Street and Chatham Avenue on August 22, around 3:40 AM.
- Officers were reportedly in the area responding to a “disturbance between roommates.” At the time, officials explained that a male in his forties “charged at officers with an edged weapon.” Authorities claimed he made a “slashing motion” as he approached, and that he wasn’t involved in the dispute officers initially responded to.
- An updated news release identifies the now-deceased suspect as 47-year-old Benjamin Isaac Hale. Authorities say he had a criminal history, including burglary with assault and battery, and possession of meth.
- The updated report clarifies that officers had no prior contact with Hale, and he was not a part of the dispute between roommates. At the time, the Orlando Police Department stated that the officers involved in the altercation were uninjured and placed on administrative leave per procedure.
The Orlando Police Department Released Bodycam Footage Of The Incident
A sudden attack: The Police Department attached bodycam footage to the latest news release. “The footage explains that the suspect was sleeping in Luminary Green Park when officers arrived.
- Footage from a nearby camera appears to show Hale strolling toward the police car before sprinting. “Officers gave multiple commands for the suspect to drop the weapon. However, the suspect refused to obey their commands and continued to come at the officers,” the video says. “When the suspect failed to comply, he was shot. He died at the scene.”
- The video then shows the altercation from two separate bodycams. Officers were speaking with one of the roommates by their police car. The suspect startled one of the officers as he ran toward them. Officers repeatedly yelled at the suspect to drop the knife. He ran to a locked shop door and briefly walked toward the police before they opened fire.
The updated news release explained that the FDLE will conduct an independent review of the incident, as will the State Attorney’s Office.
