An aggravated assault charge was dropped Tuesday against a 47-year-old man who was left paralyzed after a police confrontation during a mental health episode.
On March 7, at Northwest 58th Street and Seventh Court, Donald Armstrong, who was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the police response, was filmed by bystanders during the confrontation.
Video evidence showed Armstrong allegedly holding a screwdriver at the home’s entrance. In that same video, Donald lifts his shirt to prove he was unarmed before being tased twice and shot six times by officers.
After the shooting, Miami Police charged Armstrong with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence, an outcome his attorney disagrees with.
“We are going to look at and explore every possible legal redress to this injustice,” said Ben Crump, victims’s attorney.
In addition to the aggravated assault charge being dropped, Armstrong’s resisting arrest without violence charge has been downgraded to resisting arrest.
Since the shooting, there have been calls for justice.
Armstrong was left partially paralyzed, his attorneys said that use of force was unnecessary.
“We are clearly saying what happened on that video was excessive,” said Crump.
Armstrong is still recovering in a jail medical center. His family said his condition is improving daily but he is still unable to speak or communicate with others. His mother is asking for prayers.
“Pray for him please, do that for me, please Lord,” said Denise Armstrong, victim’s mother.
Miami Police Chief Manny Morales released a statement regarding the shooting stating, “I pledge to ensure that our department does better in addressing calls involving mental and behavioral issues.”
Attorney representing Armstrong said all his client wanted was help, which he traffically did not receive.
“My client should not have to be where he when he was seeking help, and in return of seeking help he got six bullets to his body,” said Larry Handfield, victim’s attorney.
Armstrong’s attorneys are open to pursuing a lawsuit against the MDPD.
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Source: wsvn
