A Missouri doctor was fatally shot by police when officers showed up to his house to execute an arrest. The deadly encounter occurred in St Louis County, and police body cam footage has been released by authorities.
The doctor, who was later identified as Aleksandr Lanis, was facing arrest for first-degree harassment, according to a report. Two officers arrived at his home along Hawkins Bend Drive in Fenton to take him into custody, the St. Louis County Police Department reported. However, the situation became chaotic when Lanis allegedly put up a fight.
Authorities said that there was a tussle between the Lanis and the officers. During the physical confrontation, Lanis allegedly brandished a gun. He reportedly injured an officer during the struggle, but the wound was not caused by gunfire.
Officers eventually took lethal action, firing shots at Lanis. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, police recovered the gun he was reportedly armed with.
St. Louis County Police Chief Kenneth Gregory addressed the incident, sharing that both officers handled the situation appropriately. He confirmed that only one sustained a minor injury.
The report disclosed that Lanis was a 38-year-old husband and father. However, he was going through a divorce, according to his neighbours. Additionally, county records revealed that he was a doctor at Mercy Hospital, but a representative at the facility said he was no longer employed there.
A statement was released by Lanis’ wife’s family. The statement said that both his family and his wife’s family are mourning his death. The statement expressed gratitude to the officers and applauded their professionalism. It also requested privacy while the family came to terms with the tragedy.
It concluded by mentioning his 4-year-old son, saying, “ We are asking for privacy as we search for the words and strength to help a 4-year-old boy understand what happened to his father as we continue to process this as well.”
