Camden Sheriff Shows Video Of Fatal Shooting
POSTED: Monday, November 21, 2005
WOODBINE, Ga. -- The Camden County Sheriff's Office Monday afternoon released video of an armed Orange Park man being shot by a deputy -- video recorded by a camera mounted on dashboard of the deputy's patrol car.
Charles Lamb Jr. was shot Tuesday afternoon following a six-mile chase on Interstate 95.
The video clearly shows that Lamb pointed the rifle at the deputy and fired at least one shot as the deputy repeatedly yells, "Put the gun down," and, "Get on the ground." Then the deputy fired at least three times.
Lamb died at the scene.
"I think he intended to shoot the deputy," Camden County Sheriff Bill Smith said after showing the tape to the media. "I don't think there is any question in anybody's mind."
The chase began after a motorist reported seeing Lamb pointing a gun at passing cars on the interstate.
The night of the shooting, Smith said they didn't know why Lamb acted the way he did, but mentioned that "suicide by police" was one possible explanation.
According to the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Lamb's only arrests were for burglary, petty theft and driving under the influence, but had no history of violence.
The Georgia Department of Law Enforcement is continuing to investigate the shooting, while the deputy, James Gregory Coffel, was placed on administrative leave. Those are standard procedures after a police-involved shooting.
Smith said Coffel, a six-year veteran of the force, is receiving counseling.
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