washington state policebody camera video released Testimony from two police officers who shot and killed an elderly man after he was accused of assaulting him with an ax.
The attack was captured on surveillance video at Town Square Park in Federal Way in December.
The video shows a man with a hatchet sneak up behind the 71-year-old and begin swinging it at him. The victim suffered severe injuries to his head, face and chest. Police said the attack was completely unintentional and that the attacker continued to shake the victim even after he fell to the ground.
The suspect was able to flee the scene and the victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center.
Doctors initially thought the victim might die from his wounds, but now, three months after the attack, the victim is reported to be in good condition.
The next day, police encountered Pareti Anikeshi Veniale, 30, and gave chase while shouting commands.
The video showed Beniale running away as two police officers chased him. One of the officers stumbled and Beniale appeared to swing a knife over his head, but the other officer opened fire, striking the suspect.
Beniale was treated for gunshot wounds and tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The same police officer who shot and killed Beniale in December was also attacked at a homeless encampment in 2020. Beniale lunged at officers with a machete and knife and was shot with a Taser before being arrested in the incident.
Mr. Veniale was charged with attempted first-degree murder, and prosecutors cited his extensive criminal history in seeking $1 million bail.
“The defendant’s escalating and unfounded behavior is extremely embarrassing to the state,” King County prosecutors said in court.
The bail request was granted, and Beniale remains in custody at the King County Jail.
Beniale has had 19 bench warrants since 2012 and has been arrested for assaulting firefighters, medical personnel, police officers and strangers. He had been released from custody just two days before the latest brutal ax attack.
“The defendant is unlikely to comply with court orders going forward,” Deputy Prosecutor Raymond Lee wrote. “Additionally, the defendant faces a standard sentence of approximately 19.5 to 25 years for this charge, including a deadly weapons enhancement.”
Mr. Beniale’s next court hearing is scheduled for June.
The video of the shooting is below.
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