Family of man killed in police-involved shooting speaks out

BEAUMONT, Texas — On Saturday night, Beaumont police responded to a call about a robbery in the 1800 block of Harriot Street. By the end of the night, one man was arrested and another was shot after he attacked them with a chainsaw, according to police.

Beaumont police have identified the man killed as 42-year-old Manuel Arteaga. His nephew told 12News the family is devastated that a call for help resulted in the death of their loved one.

Christin Arteaga says his family gathered in the backyard that evening to cut wood.

“We were enjoying our time and stuff, and then the arguments started,” Christin Arteaga said.

Soon after, family members called 911.

“But we didn’t call for a fight, we called for someone else,” said Christin Arteaga.

According to Haley Morrow of the Beaumont Police Department, Beaumont police arrived shortly afterward at around 8:20 p.m. to remove someone from the home.

“They were dealing with the person who was causing the disturbance,” Morrow said. “And while they were doing that, another person approached them from behind the house with a chainsaw.”

The man the police originally tried to pick up was later arrested and is now charged with two counts of assault. Manuel Arteaga was shot after he approached them with a chainsaw running, according to police.

Christin says the reason his uncle's chainsaw was still running was because he was still cutting logs.

“He wanted to take it off, it was on, but he hadn't fully latched it,” Christin Arteaga said.

Beaumont police said Manuel Arteaga posed a threat to their officers.

“In response to this direct threat, officers fired their firearm at the individual. That individual is dead,” Morrow said.

Christin Arteaga says the sequence of events happened incredibly quickly.

“They attacked my uncle and shot him outside with flashlights on,” Christin Arteaga said.

He says the shooting still shakes him.

“The police officer (disrespectfully) shot my uncle face down. There were about seven shots on each side, from behind and from the front,” Christin Arteaga said.

The family says Manuel Arteaga was a father of four and a landscaper with a big heart.

“I love my uncle very much because he helped us a lot when we moved from house to house. He always had a lot of love for us,” said Christin Arteaga.

Christin says that's exactly how he wants people to remember his uncle.

“As a great, loving uncle or a great friend to them,” Christin Arteaga said.

Christin and his family now want justice and the arrest of the officer involved.

“Put them in jail and give them custody,” said Christin Arteaga.

Both officers involved in the shooting are currently on leave pending the completion of the investigation.

This is a developing story. We will update you with more information as we receive more confirmed information.

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