BEAUMONT, Texas — The family of a Beaumont man killed in a Saturday night officer-involved shooting say he was putting a chainsaw down when he was shot by officers.
Saturday night Beaumont police responded to an assault call on the 1800 block of Harriot Street. By the nights end one man was arrested, and another shot and killed after police say he came at them with a chainsaw.
Beaumont police have identified the man killed as 42-year-old Manuel Arteaga, and his nephew tells 12News that the family is devastated that a call for help turned into a death of their loved one.
Christin Arteaga says that his family was gathering in the backyard that night to cut logs.
"We was enjoying our time and stuff, and then some arguments started happening," said Christin Arteaga.
911 was soon called by family members.
"But we didn't call for the argument we called for somebody else," said Christin Arteaga.
Beaumont Police arrived shortly after to remove someone from the home at around 8:20 p.m. according to Haley Morrow with the Beaumont Police Department.
They were handling the individual involved in the disturbance," said Morrow. "And while they were doing that, another individual approached them from behind the residence with a chainsaw."
The man officers initially arrived to remove was later arrested and is now facing two assault charges, while Manuel Arteaga was shot after police say he was advancing toward them with the chainsaw still on.
Christin says the reason his uncle's chainsaw was still running was because he was still in the process of cutting logs.
"He was trying to put it down, it was on, but he didn't have it all the way clicked up," said Christin Arteaga.
Beaumont Police say Manuel Arteaga posed a threat to their officers.
"The officers in response to that direct threat discharged their firearm at that person. That person is deceased," said Morrow.
Christin Arteaga says that the series of events happened incredibly fast.
"Started going at my uncle, and they shot him outside when they had the flashlights on," said Christin Arteaga.
He says he is still shaken from the shooting.
"Them officer they just (disrespectfully) shot my uncle face down. Just like, there were like seven shots just on each side, like in the back and the front," said Christin Arteaga.
The family says that Manuel Arteaga was a father of four and landscaper with a huge heart.
"I love my uncle very much because he helped us a lot when we moved from house to house to house. He always had a great love for us," said Christin Arteaga.
Christin says that's exactly how he wants people to remember his uncle.
"As a great loving uncle, or a great friend for them," said Christin Arteaga.
Christin and his family now want justice, and for the officer involved to be arrested.
"Put them in jail, get custody for them," said Christin Arteaga.
Both officers involved in the shooting are currently on administrative leave pending an investigation.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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