The Memphis Police Department released body camera footage Friday night showing the last moments of Tire Nichols following a traffic stop on January 7 before he was hospitalized and died three days later.
Nichols, a 29-year-old black father and photographer, repeatedly called his mother and told five officers who were severely beating him, former police officers. Desmond Mills, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin, Tadarrius Bean and Demetrius Haley, who just wanted to get home safely, shows off the newly released body cam video.
“I’m just trying to go home,” Nichols can be heard telling officers in the footage, which was released to the public on Jan. 27, nearly three weeks after the incident.
TENNESSEE SHERIFF OPENS NEW INVESTIGATION INTO TWO OFFICERS AFTER RELEASE OF TIRE NICHOLS’ BODY CAMERA VIDEO
The traffic stop began shortly after 8:00 p.m. on the night of January 7, as newly released body cam video shows officers approaching Nichols’ vehicle and profanity at him to get out.
“Get out slow,” the officers yelled, as Nichols appeared to remain in the vehicle. The officer’s body camera does not show if Nichols is removing his seatbelt or if he is complying with the request.
“Get your ass out of the car,” an officer yells before opening the driver’s door, grabbing Nichols and pulling him out of the vehicle.
A Memphis police officer approaches Tire Nichols’ vehicle on January 7, 2023.
(Memphis Police Department)
A Memphis police officer removes Tire Nichols from his vehicle on January 7, 2023.
(Memphis Police Department)
Several Memphis police officers attempt to remove Tire Nichols from his vehicle on January 7, 2023.
(Memphis Police Department)
“Stop, I didn’t do anything,” said Nichols, who initially appears to resist the officers before following their instructions. “Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay,” he repeats, following the officers as they escort him to the back of the vehicle.
At this time, at approximately 8:24 p.m., several officers can be seen forcibly seizing Nichols to comply with their requests.
“Hey, don’t do that, it’s okay,” Nichols can be heard saying, calling attention to the ferocity of his arrest.
QUICK REACTION AFTER RELEASE OF POLICE IMAGES OF TIRE NICHOLS; “THESE MEN WERE STREET FIGHTERS,” SAYS EX-POLICIAN
The interaction quickly escalates as Nichols goes on to point out that he thought they were acting out of character.
“Get down on the ground,” the officers yell.
“I’m on the ground,” Nichols replies.
“Turn around,” they order again.
“Yes sir,” he replies.
“Flip the f*ck, I’ll shock you,” a single officer can be heard saying, the shock gun pointed at Nichols.
Warning: The content of the following video is graphic in nature.
“Stop,” Nichols replies calmly, looking directly at the officer.
“Man, put your arm behind your back before I break you…” an officer chimes in.
“Ok stop, I am,” Nichols can be heard saying.
He added: “You guys are really doing a lot right now. I’m just trying to go home.”
The officer yelled at him: “Man, if you don’t lie down…”
“I’m on the ground,” Nichols chimed in, who at this point had at least three officers pinning him down.
“Stop, I’m not doing anything,” Nichols can be heard pleading as officers continued to struggle with him, according to the video.
Memphis police have released video showing a deadly traffic stop on January 7 that led to murder charges against four officers.
(Memphis Police Department)
A Memphis police officer points a taser directly at Tire Nichols on January 7, 2023.
(Memphis Police Department)
Nichols struggles to his feet and is electrocuted by an officer.
He then takes off his jacket or shirt, unplugs the tasers and runs down the street, away from the officers.
Other body camera footage, captured at approximately 8:33 p.m., shows two other officers accosting Nichols at another intersection.
Officers again struggle with the 29-year-old, who can be heard calling out for his mother multiple times.
The video appears to show Nichols continuing to resist being handcuffed.
TIRE NICHOLS VIDEO: MEMPHIS AUTHORITIES RELEASE IMAGES OF DEADLY TRAFFIC STOP
The Memphis police officer subsequently struck Nichols with a baton, pepper sprayed him, and punched and kicked him multiple times.
“Watch out, I’m going to beat you up,” an officer can be heard yelling at Nichols.
“Give us your hands!” the officers yell as they punch him in the face.
Next, a dazed, handcuffed Nichols is seen sitting up and leaning against the police car.
He was hospitalized that night and succumbed to his injuries just three days later, on January 10, authorities said.
Fox News’ Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
