…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Dramatic bodycam footage shows the moment that armed police shot and killed Matvey Klimenko, a kidnapping suspect in Florida.
Officers were called to a property in Jacksonville after receiving reports that Klimenko was holding his ex-girlfriend hostage.
Upon arrival, patrol officers were able to get the victim to safety, while SWAT officers negotiated with Klimenko for several hours.
However, Klimenko fled the scene, still armed with a knife.
The police apprehended him, and he was fatally shot after he made a stabbing motion towards a police dog.
Suspect had violent tendencies and criminal history
Klimenko, a convicted felon, had previously served time in a Florida state prison and was in active violation of his probation for driving under the influence, with a warrant issued for his arrest at the time of the incident.
He also had three pending warrant requests for arrest for charges including aggravated assault, armed burglary and tampering with a witness, battery, and stalking.
Klimenko’s ex-girlfriend told the police that he had violent tendencies that escalated after she moved out of their shared home in 2022.
Police dog deployed to apprehend suspect
Bodycam footage released by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office shows officers running after Klimenko as he heads towards the backyard of a neighboring property.
Officer McDonald then deployed his service dog, Zeke, to apprehend Klimenko.
An officer can be heard shouting at Klimenko to drop the knife, and when Klimenko made a stabbing motion towards the dog, another member of the SWAT team screamed: “Don’t let him stab him!” Klimenko was shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation underway
The Sheriff’s Office said that the fatal shooting is now under investigation by the State Attorney’s Office to determine whether the officer’s actions were lawful.
Analysis and Commentaries:
The use of lethal force by police is always a matter of controversy and scrutiny.
In this case, the police were dealing with a violent suspect who was holding his ex-girlfriend hostage and had a history of violent tendencies.
The use of a police dog to apprehend the suspect is a common tactic, and the fact that Klimenko made a stabbing motion towards the dog likely led to the decision to use lethal force.
However, the investigation by the State Attorney’s Office is necessary to determine whether the officers’ actions were lawful.
The case highlights the importance of addressing violent tendencies and criminal behavior before they escalate.
Klimenko had a criminal history, including a previous conviction, and had violated his probation.
The fact that he had pending warrant requests for arrest for several serious charges suggests that his behavior was escalating.
Addressing such behavior early on and providing appropriate intervention could have prevented the situation from reaching the point where lethal force was necessary.
In conclusion, the use of lethal force by police is a controversial and sensitive issue, and the case of Matvey Klimenko highlights the importance of addressing violent tendencies and criminal behavior before they escalate.
The investigation by the State Attorney’s Office will determine whether the officers’ actions were lawful, but the case is a reminder that early intervention is necessary to prevent situations like this from occurring.