Newly released body camera footage shows a Virginia police officer slashing and fatally shooting a knife-wielding woman during a welfare check last month.
Fairfax County police released the footage following the uproar over the death of 33-year-old woman Sidney Wilson. The footage shows crisis intervention officer Peter Lew approaching Wilson's apartment after a doctor expressed concerns about his mental health.
When Liu knocked on the door, Wilson answered at first, then quickly closed the door again. The police then continued to knock on the door for nearly 10 minutes.
The footage shows Wilson suddenly opening the door and immediately slashing Liu with a knife. The officer quickly retreated into the hallway, drew his gun and ordered Wilson to retreat.
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Sidney Wilson, 33, opened the door and slashed at police officer Peter Lew. (Fairfax County Police Department)
As Lew continues to retreat further down the dead-end hallway, Wilson can be seen raising his knife and chasing him. He gave repeated verbal commands to Wilson to “stand back,” and when Wilson raised his gun, she paused, but then continued walking toward him.
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Liu backed up until his back was against the door of another apartment, all the while giving commands to “stand back.” Wilson continues to approach him with the knife raised and cuts him again.
Sidney Wilson slashed Officer Peter Lew after forcing him out of the apartment and into a dead-end hallway. (Fairfax County Police Department)
As Wilson continues to attack with the knife, Liu fires his gun. He pushed her away into an open hallway, but Wilson grabbed him and continued to attack him with the knife, causing Lew to fire more shots.
The officers then retreated into a long hallway as Wilson collapsed.
Footage from two officers who responded immediately after the incident shows Liu's face covered in blood from where Wilson cut him on the forehead. One of the officers tried to resuscitate Wilson but was unsuccessful.
“Our officers acted bravely. They certainly showed character under pressure,” Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said at a news conference Monday.
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Nevertheless, Davis confirmed that Liu is on leave pending a criminal and internal investigation.
