SILER CITY, N.C. — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol released dashboard camera video of a trooper shooting and killing a man during a traffic stop on Memorial Day.
In the video, you can see Mark Anthony Diaz, 21, being pulled over by Trooper Rodney N. Cook at around 4:30 p.m. that day in Siler City.
After stopping the truck, WTVD reports Trooper Cook told Diaz he pulled him over because he was not wearing a seatbelt. That was when Cooked asked for his license and registration, but Diaz said he didn’t have any identification on him.
The recording shows Cook telling Diaz he smells marijuana and asking him to get out, according to WTVD.
It’s at that point in the video that Diaz pulls out a pistol. Investigators said Cook quickly reached through the driver’s side window in an attempt to deflect the gun, WTVD said. Cook can then be seen running away from the truck, retreating back to his car.
Diaz opens his door and steps out of the truck with the gun still in his hand, WTVD reports, and from off screen, Cook fires one shot, hitting Diaz in the chest.
Then, Diaz’s truck starts rolling down the hill before crashing into a parked car. A passenger inside can be seen getting out of the truck and running away.
Cook approaches Diaz, who is still on the ground with the gun in his hand, WTVD reports. Cook moves the gun away from Diaz and radios for backup and paramedics.
Cook also begins performing life-saving measures on Diaz. However, Diaz died a short time after he was taken to the hospital, according to WTVD.
Cook was not hurt during the traffic stop and per protocol, was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, WTVD said.
The State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a separate investigation into the deadly shooting.
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