New footage revealed in fatal Staples shooting incident

Federal and local authorities have recently released new information and video documenting a deputy-involved shooting outside of a Cleveland Staples store that took place on April 16. News 5 has obtained body camera footage from officers who responded to the scene at West 117th Street. This edited footage reveals the sequence of events that unfolded during a larger drug investigation that culminated in two Medina County Sheriff Deputies shooting and killing a suspect who was reportedly armed with a knife at the time of the incident.

The body camera footage depicts the Medina County Sheriff Deputies and Homeland Security Agents responding swiftly to the scene moments after they shot and killed 47-year-old Andre Martin during a drug sting operation. Although the video does not capture the events leading up to the incident or the shooting itself, it provides a glimpse of the aftermath at the Staples parking lot near the Cleveland/Lakewood border.

Following the tragic aftermath, two Medina County Sheriff Deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the completion of a use-of-force investigation. The Department of Homeland Security has also disclosed new information and photographs related to the incident. Notably, a photo illustrating $250,000 worth of cocaine and fentanyl allegedly linked to Martin has been released by authorities.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Martin was identified as both the sender and recipient of the package containing the illegal substances. Investigators detailed that they observed Martin entering the Staples, retrieving the package, and exiting the establishment located on West 117th Street the day before the escalating events unfolded.

During the confrontation, deputies maintain that Martin brandished a knife, prompting an aggressive response from law enforcement officers. Cleveland police have initiated an investigation into the use-of-force that took place during the incident. Homeland Security Investigations refrained from providing any additional comments on the matter, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry.

As the investigation progresses, News 5 remains committed to updating the community on any new developments that emerge as authorities delve further into the incident. The tragic episode has left unanswered questions and a grieving community in its wake. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.