Helmet camera captures 'disturbing' police shooting of homeless man in New Mexico

An illegal camper shot by Albuquerque police last week was turning away from officers when they fired at him, according to video released by Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden on Friday.

In helmet cam video provided by the Albuquerque Journal, the man identified as 38-year-old James Boyd, can be heard threatening the officers.

"In the private world, if you were down in a bar or a bus stop, I'd have the right to kill you right now."

Boyd can then be heard telling officers to "not get stupid."

"I can keep you safe. Don't worry about safety," he said. "I'm not a f-cking murderer."

As Boyd picks up his belongings and appears ready to walk down to the police, an officer is heard saying, "do it" and a flash-bang device is fired, disorienting Boyd.

Boyd then appears to pull out knives as an unarmed officer with a dog approaches him. After first making a move towards the police, he starts to turn away, at which point the officers open fire.

Police are later seen cautiously approaching Boyd and removing knives from his hands.

Police Chief Gorden Eden said officers decided to use less-than-lethal force, including bean bag rounds, but that at least one live round hit Boyd.

The Office of the Medical Investigator has not determined what killed the Boyd, Eden said.

A 2008 police report released by Eden listed Boyd’s address as the county jail and Eden stated that Boyd had a history of violence against law enforcement.

According to KOAT, Boyd has previously used box cutters, knives and his fists to attack people, including police officers, according police records.

Reports also show that Boyd has told people that he was on a secret mission or on assignment for former President Gerald Ford.

Albuquerque’s City Council President Ken Sanchez has called for a federal investigation of the incident, according to KRQE. The U.S. Department of Justice is already investigating the police department's use of deadly force.

“I believe that this shooting also needs to be included on the investigation of the Department of Justice, and I may also ask the council that we look at allowing the Department of Justice to come in and oversee the Albuquerque Police Department,” Sanchez said.

"I was troubled, I was disturbed and I’m extremely concerned."

See video below.