Unarmed black man and his autistic patient shot by US police

Florida Police reportedly shot at behavioural therapist Charles Kinsey and his autistic patient Rinaldo. The police replied to a 911 call reporting an armed man walking around threatening suicide last Monday.

A police officer shot at the two men and injured Charles Kinsey’s leg in the ordeal. Kinsey, hands still raised, reportedly asked the officer why he was shot. The officer replied, “I don’t know.”

A video of the happening before and after the shooting was released. Kinsey can be seen lying on the floor with his hands up while his 23-year-old patient with autism sits beside him. Charles Kinsey can be heard explaining the situation to the police officers.

“All he has is a toy truck. A toy truck. I am a behaviour therapist at a group home,” Kinsey shouted. Fearing for his patient’s safety, he was also heard asking Rinaldo to sit still and lay on the ground.

Kinsey pleaded with the officers that there was no reason for firearms as he was unarmed. He stated that he was so surprised and confused from getting shot that he barely felt the pain. Kinsey is currently hospitalised for a gunshot wound.

A second video surfaced showing both Charles Kinsey and Rinaldo prone on the ground being handcuffed. This scene reportedly happened after the shooting. A video showing the shooting has yet to be found.

Kinsey’s press conference last Thursday was called off. Kinsey’s attorney stated that Kinsey was still traumatised and is speaking with a psychiatrist. Currently there is no update on Rinaldo’s situation.

A 73-year-old convenience store care taker, Thomas Matthews, saw the entire ordeal. He stated that he surveyed the scene from afar with the help of binoculars. Thomas attempted to inform the officers but the officers warned him to “get back.”

The officer in question of shooting has not yet been named and is currently in administrative leave. The Florida Police also stated that no weapon was recovered from the incident.