Brief Summary
This video recounts the harrowing 8-hour standoff at the Shady Oaks apartment complex, initiated by Devon Matthew Wayland, who sought to provoke law enforcement into a deadly confrontation. The incident began with a false 911 call and escalated into a barrage of gunfire targeting both officers and civilians. The summary covers the tactical decisions made by the police, the evacuation of residents, and the eventual apprehension of Wayland, highlighting the psychological factors behind his actions and the legal consequences he faced.
- False 911 call lured officers into an ambush.
- Devon Matthew Wayland acted alone, seeking "suicide by cop".
- Three victims, including an officer, recovered from their injuries.
- Wayland was sentenced to 50 years in prison for attempted murder and assault.
Initial Gunfire and Officer Down
At approximately 2:17 a.m., police received reports of gunshots near the Shady Oaks apartment complex. Officer Cody Needm responded to the scene around 2:20 a.m. and was immediately shot upon entering the parking lot. He radioed for backup and was transported to the hospital.
Arrival of Backup and Civilian Risk
Backup officers, including Christopher Diesson, arrived at Shady Oaks amidst ongoing gunfire. They took cover behind a water pump house, realizing that numerous civilians were still exposed and at risk. The officers faced the challenge of pinpointing the shooters' location within the 126-unit complex with limited visibility.
Tactical Response and Civilian Evacuation
Officers identified that shots were fired at a resident. The immediate priorities became identifying the source of gunfire and evacuating civilians. A tactical plan was formed where one group engaged the shooters to pinpoint their location, while another group evacuated civilians.
Securing a Key and Requesting SWAT
Officer Viz Mucin encountered residents, one of whom provided crucial information about the shots originating from the second floor and a key to access the building. Officer Tim Harves met with command to await SWAT teams and strategize, as conflicting reports emerged about the shooters' location, with some suggesting activity as high as the seventh floor.
Perimeter Breach and Civilian Casualties
A critical oversight in the perimeter setup allowed civilian vehicles to enter the active shooting zone. One vehicle was struck by gunfire, injuring the driver. Officers applied a tourniquet to the driver's leg. Another civilian on a bicycle entered the zone and was apprehended by officers.
SWAT Arrival and Building Clearance
SWAT armored vehicles arrived at approximately 4:00 a.m., marking a turning point in the operation. A sniper unit moved into position, and entry teams prepared to enter the building. SWAT teams evacuated ground floor residents and secured the lower levels.
Daylight, Drones, and the Final Confrontation
As daylight broke, drones were deployed, revealing a barricaded individual in apartment 303. After failed negotiation attempts, tear gas was deployed into the apartment. A sniper then shot the shooter in the forehead, after which the SWAT team apprehended him.
Apprehension and Investigation
The shooter was identified as Devon Matthew Wayland. A search of his apartment revealed multiple firearms. Investigators discovered that Wayland had made the initial 911 call, deliberately luring officers into an ambush.
Interrogation and Motives
During interrogation, Devon Wayland described feeling trapped between a desire to die and an inability to harm himself, a state referred to as "suicide by cop." He admitted to provoking police due to anger and humiliation from a prior confrontation.
Legal Consequences
Detectives determined that Devon Wayland acted alone. Despite arguments about mental health issues, the jury found him guilty of three counts of first-degree attempted murder and three counts of second-degree assault. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
