Ethan Freeman Police Shooting Caught on Bodycam

A 911 Call Leads Officer to Freeman’s Home

On October 19, 2020, Thornton Police Officer Matthew Yao responded to a 911 call concerning Ethan Freeman, 37, at a residence on Four Wheel Drive in Thornton, New Hampshire. Earlier that day, Yao had already encountered Freeman at a local school and later at a hospital.

When Yao arrived at Freeman’s apartment later that day, the encounter quickly became tense.

The Situation Suddenly Escalates

According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s investigation, Yao saw Freeman inside the apartment, bleeding and holding a piece of broken furniture. Freeman reportedly made repeated threats against the officer. Yao moved away from the apartment while attempting to communicate with him and called for assistance.

The bodycam footage captured the encounter, including the officer's attempts to create distance and de-escalate the situation.

Freeman Comes Through the Window

The situation changed dramatically when Freeman exited through a broken window. He was still covered in blood and continued moving toward Officer Yao while making threats.

Yao repeatedly ordered Freeman to stay back while walking backward. According to investigators, Freeman continued advancing toward the officer rather than stopping or slowing down.

The Officer Fires Two Shots

When Freeman was approximately 10 feet away and still advancing, Yao fired two shots in quick succession. Freeman was struck in the chest and died at the scene.

The bodycam and patrol-vehicle cameras captured the encounter from multiple perspectives, providing investigators with video of the moments leading up to the shooting.

The Shooting Is Reviewed by Investigators

Following the shooting, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office conducted an investigation into the use of deadly force. Investigators reviewed bodycam footage, patrol-car video, witness accounts, photographs, interviews and other evidence.

In March 2021, Deputy Attorney General Jane Young announced that no charges would be filed against Officer Yao, concluding that the shooting was legally justified.

Bodycam Footage Shows the Final Moments

The released footage provides a detailed view of an encounter that changed within minutes. Officer Yao initially responded to a request for assistance, but the situation developed into a confrontation after Freeman allegedly threatened the officer and advanced toward him.

The case remains notable because the bodycam recording captured the entire encounter, allowing investigators and the public to see the sequence of events that preceded the fatal shooting.