The video below contains footage of the events leading up to the killing of an officer. As such, be advised that this footage may be upsetting to some viewers.
The decision to run news like the below is not one we take lightly, and we do so because we believe it has value to our law enforcement audience in capturing the sort of situation law enforcers hope never to face. We feel it is important even as it is difficult to observe.
The death of an officer is felt by the entire LE community and can take a heavy toll. Take a look at our articles on what first responders should seek in mental health clinicians, how correctional officers can strengthen their resilience and coping with line-of-duty death in law enforcement.
By C1 Staff
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Surveillance footage of an escape that left one deputy dead and another wounded last May was released Tuesday.
Video obtained by 3NewsNow shows Deputy Mark Burbridge getting into the passenger side of the prisoner transport van and Deputy Pat Morgan getting into the driver’s seat. Wesley Correa-Carmenaty was shackled and handcuffed.
In the footage, Correa-Carmenaty appears to exit the van unshackled and is seen beating both deputies in a fight for the van. Officials said the inmate obtained a key, which was never found.
A struggle ensures, Correa-Carmenaty grabs a deputy’s gun and fatally shoots Burbridge. He then shoots Morgan and assaults him before driving the van through the jail door. Morgan was transported to the hospital and recovered from his wounds, WOWT reported. The video also shows Correa-Carmenaty shooting another driver and carjacking a woman at a liquor store.
Correa-Carmenaty was captured in a stolen car and taken into custody shortly after. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.