MESQUITE – (WBAP/KLIF) – The family of a 19-year old man shot by a Mesquite police officer are calling for transparency into the man’s death. Payton Lawrence is alleged to have been the driver of a car shot and killed by a police veteran still not named.
Police say just a couple of minutes after a car was reported stolen, the officer saw a vehicle similiar to the one reported stolen, with at least one man speaking to several people in another vehicle; both parked at gas pumps at a nearby convenience store. Two men, police say, exited the store, and were ordered to stop , show hands, and get on the ground. The officer reported those suspects fled on foot. Police say the officer turned his attention toward the other vehicle, driven by Lawrence. They maintain despite commands to stop, Lawrence refused, changed vehicle positions, and, pointing the vehicle toward a parking lot exit, allegedly still moving, the officer shot through the windshield, striking him.
Despite a big helicopter and police dog search, the suspects who ran away were not located. Police say several weapons were found inside at least one of the vehicles. Authorities say at the time of his death, Lawrence had an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Mesquite Police released several minutes of video from the encounter on ts Facebook page, montaged with some video from arriving officers. Mesquite Police continue to investigate for future referral to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office; officIals say the D.A.’s office also sent investigators to the scene for an independent review, and Mesquite Police Internal Affairs division will investigate as well
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