In a turn of events that rocked the quiet community of Pacifica, the local police department has released a critical incident video showing the altercation preceding the shooting of 50-year-old Michelle Arrais by police. The Pacifica Police Department offered the media as a testament to their commitment to transparency following the incident that occurred on March 27.
The encounter with Arrais unfolded rapidly when police responded to a 911 call from her 23-year-old son, claiming he had been shot by her, as detailed in a statement by the Pacifica Police Department. Arrais was confronted by officers as she attempted to drive out of her apartment complex. Refusing to stand down, Arrais pointed a gun at the officers, prompting Corporal Hayden Fry and Officer Kevin Contreras to decisively fire their weapons.
Despite the efforts from officers and paramedics to provide immediate life-saving measures, Arrais was pronounced dead at the scene. Her son was later found to have taken shelter inside a locked bathroom and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The incident sadly extended beyond the human victims as officers found the family's dog fatally shot in the apartment.
Pacific Police Chief Maria Sarasua, in a daunting attempt to maintain public trust, said, "It is always tragic when law enforcement intervenes with deadly force, regardless of the circumstances," acknowledging the profound impact such events stamp on the individuals, their community, and the officers involved, according to the Pacifica Police Department. She confirmed that a concurrent trio of investigations is underway to unravel the layers of this complex situation thoroughly and justly.
As per the protocol, Fry and Contreras are currently on paid administrative leave while the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, the Pacifica Police Department, and the Internal Affairs Division each conduct their own independent investigations. The focus remains on determining the legality and correctness of the officers' actions, as well as the grim series of events leading up to the fateful police encounter.
The full body-worn camera footage has been withheld from public release due to the ongoing nature of these investigations. The Pacifica Police Department urges any inquiries regarding the case to be directed toward the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. Meanwhile, the department stands firm in their commitment to clarity and responsibility as the community grapples with the ramifications of this tragic episode.
