Exclusive: Man shot multiple times by Miami police describes ordeal, video obtained

MIAMI – A man who was shot multiple times by a Miami City Police officer in March speaks out to CBS News Miami.

Video of the incident was also recorded for the first time, which some may find disturbing.

In March, an officer shot Donald Armstrong six times.

His mother called the police and asked for help. She said her son was experiencing a mental health crisis.

What happened next, Armstrong said, changed his life forever.

“I have a big hole here deep in my chest,” he said. “Everyone I know who is in law enforcement says she tried to kill you. She tried to take your life, Mr. Armstrong. Can you get this?”

Armstrong’s attorney released body-worn camera video of the shooting to CBS News Miami.

The victim said he remembered everything about the day he was shot, including his high drug use.

“I wasn’t in my right state of mind at the time,” he said.

Armstrong said he took the drug Molly, which is ecstasy, and nothing made any sense.

“When they said throw the gun away, I didn’t have a gun in my hand, just a little wand,” Armstrong said.

The police report describes it as being similar to a dagger. In the videos, the silver object can be seen in his hand.

“I got verbally abused and you know, because of my mindset at the time, I pulled it out and then I got verbally abused again and I fall,” Armstrong said.

CBS News Miami won’t show the shooting, but you can hear it.

“I keep hearing these loud gunshots and I don’t even realize I’m being shot,” Armstrong said. “I have an officer on the ground with me. I look him in the eyes and say, ‘Why, why, why?’ I said, ‘Man, y’all trying to kill me.’ “

Armstrong was shot in the chest, arm and buttocks, making it difficult for him to walk. He appeared in court in a wheelchair.

Armstrong said he is still recovering from all of his scars.

“I would watch TV and hear bullets, you know, people are getting shot on TV, and that would trigger something in my head, even if I see them fall, even if I see the Metro Dade police officers driving past me, that triggers something “I,” said the victim.

Armstrong’s attorney, Larry Handfield, said he expected the case to be dismissed Thursday.

Part of Armstrong’s recovery included addressing his mental health, substance abuse and the trauma from his child’s death, which Armstrong said was the reason he turned to drugs in the first place. Now he and his lawyer want the police to change and take responsibility.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said the investigation is ongoing.

CBS News Miami also reached out to the City of Miami Police Department to see if the officer is still on patrol and for an update on the investigation.

So far we have not received a response.