Anadarko Police Release Bodycam Video Of April Shooting That Killed 25-Year-Old

Anadarko police released bodycam footage Friday afternoon of an April shooting that killed a 25-year-old man.

Silas Lambert called 911 around 1 a.m. on April 5 after his best friend overdosed.

When officers arrived at the 100 block of Nixon Drive, Lambert was agitated and aggressive. Police said the officer took Lambert outside to help de-escalate the situation.

Minutes into the encounter outside, the officer learns Lambert is armed with a .40-caliber gun.

Anadarko Police Chief Eric Harlan said in a press conference Wednesday that Lambert ignored the officer’s several commands to put his hands in the air.

When Lambert went to reach for the gun in his pocket, Harlan said was tased and later shot.

According to the medical examiner’s report, Lambert was shot four times. Three bullets hit Lambert’s right chest and another bullet hit his left arm.

The report also revealed Lambert was not under the influence of anything during the incident.

Lambert was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Two Anadarko police officers were involved in the incident: officers Maldonado and Harmon.

Maldonado was shot in the arm and also received a head injury. It’s unclear whose bullet hit Maldonado.

Caddo County District Attorney Jackson Hicks determined Tuesday that both officers were justified in the April shooting.

According to family and Anadarko police, Lambert had no history of mental illness.

Harlan said Lambert has no police record, other than traffic violations as a juvenile.

Family and friends of Lambert gathered outside Anadarko City Hall Friday afternoon as police released the bodycam video.

Lambert’s father, Derric Lambert, said his son was valedictorian of his class and had qualified for a Bill Gates scholarship.

“He wasn’t just my son. He was my best friend and he didn’t deserve to be shot down,” Derric Lambert said. “I loved him. He wasn’t a bad kid. He was just trying to look out for his friends and stuff. I don’t know what happened.”

Family said they too have never seen Lambert pull a gun on anybody. They believe there was a different way to handle the situation.  

“I imagine it was a traumatic experience with his friend dying,” Derric Lambert said. “Any rational person probably would be freaking out.”  

During a search of the home, Anadarko police say they discovered an AR-15 with ammunition. Family said they knew Lambert possessed guns.

Maldonado has been with the Anadarko Police Department since 2014. Harmon has been with the department since 2018. Both officers, Harlan said, are CLEET-certified.