'Training, Instincts Led Me,' Says Sand Springs Officer On Body Cam Video'

The Sand Springs police officer whose body camera showed him narrowly escape being killed by a suspect on Friday says he responded in the way his training and instincts led him.

Master Patrol Officer Matt Stacy issued a statement through Chief Mike Carter on Tuesday. Carter said Stacy is not comfortable with giving any interviews so Stacy issued a statement instead:

“On Friday November 6, 2015 I was put in a situation where my job was to stop a person who was endangering the citizens of Sand Springs while wildly driving a stolen car through our city in an attempt to elude one of my fellow officers. When she drove near a local elementary school, my initial thought was to close on her position in case she attempted to gain entry to the school. When I became aware that she was in fact turning around, I exited my patrol car with the intent to stop her with my spike system. It soon became apparent that I was not going to have time to do this, and that she intended on trying to hurt or kill me. I responded in the way my training and instincts led me. I am very happy that no one was seriously injured in this incident, including the suspect or myself. 

I am thankful for the many messages of support from the public, fellow police officers from across the country and the media. Above all, I wish to thank God who protected me that day.”

11/9/2015: Related Story: Body Cam Video Shows Stolen SUV Hitting Sand Springs Officer

The incident happened on Friday morning as officers responded to Northwoods Elementary on reports of a woman driving erratically. As Officer Stacy arrived at the road leading into the school property, he saw the Infiniti SUV turning around to head back down the road toward him. He stopped his car, stood up behind the door and yelled at the driver to stop.

His body camera video shows the SUV doesn't stop, instead heading right for him and his car. The video shows Stacy fire two shots a split second before the SUV slammed into his car and knocked him flying.

On Monday Chief Carter said Stacy's body camera video proved Stacy did the right thing by firing two shots 

An officer eventually climbed through the sun roof of the crashed SUV and tased the suspect, Stacy Ann Bunsey, 41. He and other officers arrested her.

11/9/2015: Related Story: Sand Springs Chief Believes Video Justifies Officer's Shooting

Police booked Bunsey into jail on complaints of possession of a stolen vehicle, eluding a police officer, assault and battery with a deadly weapon on a police officer, DUI drugs and resisting arrest.