ABC-7 speaks with former employer of man shot by police

ABC-7 is learning more about the 22-year-old man shot to death by police early Sunday morning in West El Paso.

He has been identified as 22-year old Eric John Wilson. Police say they were called to Wilson’s home on the 7100 block of Tierra Taos around midnight Saturday.

Police say Wilson was threatening to commit suicide. Police told ABC-7 Wilson told them he was armed with two handguns and a rifle and allegedly said he’d “shoot it out” with police. That’s when police say Wilson refused to show his hands, reached for an object from behind his back and pointed it at them.

Officers, fearing for their safety, shot him at least twice. That object turned out to be a cell phone, according to police.

ABC-7 went to Wilson’s home today to try and speak with his family. His younger brother, Kevin Wilson, answered the door and told ABC-7 the family was not ready to speak about Wilson’s death.

He did say however, that his brother “was a great man and he loved his family more than anything.” He added that the family was working on hiring an attorney.

One neighbor told ABC-7 he had seen police called to the Wilson’s home in the past. Police were unable to confirm whether they’ve received calls about Wilson before.

ABC-7 spotted Wilson’s Facebook page that he posted a picture of a pay stub from Garufa’s Restaurant on Mesa Street, where he worked as a dishwasher back in 2013 as 19 year-old.

Monday afternoon ABC-7 spoke to the head waiter, Omar Biviano, who remembered Wilson as an employee. He told ABC-7 he never had any problems with Wilson who he called “a very shy guy.” He said he was saddened to hear of his death.

Biviano told ABC-7 Wilson came to the restaurant as an employee as part of a mental health program.