Quinton Chandler
/ StateImpact Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Police responding to a disturbance call killed a man Friday.
He has been identified by family members as Bennie Edwards – a black man who struggled with a mental health diagnosis.
Edwards’ family members said he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Police say Edwards was carrying a knife and ran towards officers before they opened fire.
Oklahoma City Police Capt. Daniel Stewart said police tried to deescalate the confrontation but had no choice except to shoot.
“They used a taser which most of our officers are equipped with,” Stewart said. “Then attempted to use OC gas which is commonly known as pepper spray and that was not effective.”