On Tuesday night, October 10, in Elwood, New York, a police officer fatally shot a 54-year-old man, identified as Alan Weber, after he charged at the cops with two fencing swords.
Earlier in the day, neighbors had reported erratic behavior by Weber. They described him running around the neighborhood, trying to open doors and taking mail from houses. However, when the police were called in response to these reports, Weber was not taken into custody.
Later, Suffolk County police responded to a 911 call detailing a man acting violently inside a home. Upon their arrival, they found Weber screaming and breaking items. When officers urged him to come outside, he refused.
Deciding to enter the home, the officers were confronted by Weber, now armed with two swords and wearing a fencing mask. Despite commands to drop the weapons, Weber ignored the officers. An attempt to subdue him with a stun gun proved ineffective.
The confrontation escalated when Weber charged at the officers. In response, one officer fired multiple shots, resulting in Weber’s fatal injury. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison, after reviewing the body camera footage, stated that the use of lethal force seemed justified given the immediate threat posed by Weber. As the investigation continues, many are awaiting more details on the incident.
