Donald Armstrong, the Miami man shot by police last month, had charges against him reduced during a court hearing on Tuesday, April 16.
The charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence were reduced to a single count of misdemeanor resisting arrest.
The incident occurred on March 7 near the entrance of a home on Northwest 57th Street and 7th Court, where Armstrong was shot by police while holding what was described as a sharp object.
Police had been called to the home by Armstrong’s mother, who reported a mental health crisis.
Cellphone video captured the confrontation between Armstrong and the police, as well as the subsequent shooting.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Armstrong, stated that the video shows Armstrong holding a screwdriver.
According to Crump, Armstrong was shocked by Tasers twice before being shot by police. He was hit six times out of the nine shots fired.
Crump described the incident captured on video as “unconscionable” and stated that Armstrong did not deserve to be treated “like a dog.”
Fellow attorney Larry Handfield echoed Crump’s sentiments, stating that while the reduction in charges was a step in the right direction, the resisting arrest charge should also be dismissed.
Handfield said Armstrong was never informed that he was under arrest before the alleged resistance occurred.
Handfield expressed his desire for Armstrong to be released from custody so that he can receive the mental health care he needs.
