Dennis “D.J.” Hernandez, the older brother of former NFL player Aaron Hernandez, was captured on police body cameras asking cops to shoot him before he was arrested earlier this month. The incident occurred on July 19 in Bristol, Connecticut, and the footage shows D.J. leaving a residence with his arms in the air, urging the officers surrounding him to fire on him.
In the video, D.J. can be heard repeatedly saying “shoot me” and at one point, as he continues to walk towards the officers with a water bottle in hand, he shouts, “I’m not armed, but shoot me.” Despite his pleas, the police did not shoot him but instead decided to use a taser on the 37-year-old former Division I football player. As they were putting him in handcuffs, D.J. told the officers, “No one listens. I don’t do this s***” and added, “I need your help.”
The police assured D.J. that they were there to provide him with assistance before taking him away from the scene. According to police documents, the officers initially responded to D.J.’s residence after receiving reports of him acting erratically and sending threatening messages. It was also reported that those close to D.J. had expressed concerns that he may have been planning school shootings at UConn and Brown University.
Following his arrest, D.J. was booked on charges of threatening and breach of peace. He is currently being held in jail on a $250,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court next week for a hearing on the matter.
The incident involving D.J. Hernandez has raised concerns about mental health and the availability of resources and support for individuals in distress. It highlights the need for better preventative measures and intervention strategies to address such cases. The police officers involved exercised restraint and prioritized de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety of both D.J. and themselves.
Cases like this serve as reminders of the ongoing struggles individuals face and the importance of a compassionate and comprehensive approach to mental health. It is crucial to address the underlying issues that contribute to such behavior and provide individuals with access to the appropriate resources and support systems.
In the coming weeks, D.J.’s case will be closely monitored as he navigates the legal process. This incident serves as a reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is essential for society to come together to provide the necessary support and resources to aid those in need and prevent future crises.
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