Falcon Heights Traffic Stop Ends in Shooting NSFW [Video]

A 32-year-old man named Philando Castile died after being shot by a police officer in Falcon Heights, Minnesota yesterday. In a Facebook live-stream, his girlfriend, Lavish Reynolds, is shown interacting with the police officer as her boyfreind sits in the driver's seat of their car bleeding.

Castile and Reynolds were pulled over due to a "busted" taillight. Reynolds claimed Castile was reaching for his driver's license, which the officer had requested, just before he was shot four times. Castile had apparently informed the officer that he had a concealed-carry permit and that there was a firearm in the car.

The identity of the officer has not yet been released, though a police spokesperson said that he had been placed on administrative leave.

Reynolds' 4-year-old daughter was also in the car at the time.

St. Paul Public Schools issued this statement about Philando,

Saint Paul Public Schools and its staff grieve the tragic death of a former student and current employee, Philando Castile.

He graduated from Central High School in 2001 and had worked for Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) since he was 19 years old, beginning in 2002, in the Nutrition Services Department.

Mr. Castile was promoted to a supervisory position two years ago and was currently working in one of our schools during the summer term.

Colleagues describe him as a team player who maintained great relationships with staff and students alike. He had a cheerful disposition and his colleagues enjoyed working with him. He was quick to greet former coworkers with a smile and hug.

One coworker said, “Kids loved him. He was smart, over-qualified. He was quiet, respectful, and kind. I knew him as warm and funny; he called me his 'wing man.' He wore a shirt and tie to his supervisor interview and said his goal was to one day 'sit on the other side of this table.’”

Those who worked with him daily said he will be greatly missed.

"I am deeply sorry for his family and for their loss. He's worked in SPPS for many years and he graduated from our district, so he was one of our own," said SPPS Superintendent Valeria Silva.

Grief counselors will be available for staff and students as needed or requested.

The Saint Paul Public Schools family extends its deepest sympathy to Mr. Castile's family and loved ones.

Philando Castile was a cafeteria supervisor at a local Montessori school. His 33rd birthday would have been next Friday.