Naperville police release video that shows cop fatally shooting man as he runs at him with axe

Naperville police released a graphic video Tuesday that shows a veteran Naperville police officer fatally shooting a 28-year-old Naperville man who came at him with a hatchet on June 3.

In introducing the footage from the body and dashboard cameras the YouTube-posted video, police Chief Jason Arres said the officer was conducting a routine traffic stop about 11 a.m. near Bond Street and McDowell Road when a second vehicle pulls up to the scene.

(The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Y09g2tNGHrg. Viewer discretion is advised.)

“A man quickly exits the vehicle and immediately charges at the officer with a hatchet in his hand,” Arres said.

The video shows the officer shooting his gun six times and striking the man, who then falls to the ground.

“This scene went quickly from a traffic stop for a minor violation to an attack on a police officer by an uninvolved party, demonstrating just how dangerous the job of a police officer is,” Arres said.

The officer holds the shot man at gunpoint while waiting for police backup and paramedics to arrive.

The man, identified Edward C. Samaan by the DuPage County Coroner’s Office, was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation, including toxicology reports, the coroner’s office said in a statement.

“Any loss of life is tragic, and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased,” Arres said.

The department began issuing body cameras to its officers last month with full implementation is expected by the end of June.

Arres said body cameras are worn at mid-torso level to capture the view of the line of sight in the event officers must use their firearm.

“It’s important to note that the camera lens is fixed and does not capture everything an officer sees or experiences,” the chief said.

Arres added he’s extremely grateful no officers or bystanders were injured or killed.

Because it is an officer-related shooting, an independent investigation is being conducted by the DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

subaker@tribpub.com