Dramatic body-camera footage reveals the terrifying second Santa Monica police shot a person who charged at them wielding a knife as cops had been investigating an unrelated incident.
Within the video, two officers might be seen talking with witnesses concerning a separate matter close to the bustling Santa Monica Pier on Aug. 22 earlier than they spot a person holding a serrated knife overhead and transferring towards them.
Each officers start shouting, “Put that down!” because the suspect continues to strategy and the officers again away.
As the person is proven transferring quicker at police, one officer fires a single spherical into his chest, main him to drop the knife, based on the footage.
An is then seen officer kicking the knife away from the suspect earlier than administering CPR.
The person, recognized by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez, later died on the hospital.
No officers or members of the general public had been injured. Police discovered two extra knives on Rodriguez, together with one on his individual and one in his backpack.
The knife the person was holding as he charged at officers had a hilt with a pointy, serrated edge much like a fight knife.
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One knife in his backpack was sheathed and appeared comparable. A second knife present in his pocket had a metallic grip with holes and materials wrapped round it.
It’s unclear why Rodriguez charged at officers.
Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob launched a press release in regards to the division’s duty to be clear in regards to the incident.
“Our officers reply requires assist understanding the circumstances can change straight away. On August 22, they encountered an armed particular person whereas aiding with an unrelated name,” Jacob stated.
“I acknowledge the lasting impression an incident like this may have on the officers and personnel who responded, and so they have my assist. When a life is misplaced throughout a police encounter, our duty to supply a transparent and open account is particularly necessary. Releasing this video is a vital step in offering that account to our neighborhood,” he added.
Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis praised the officers’ response to the incident.
“I’m grateful for the braveness our officers confirmed within the face of an armed menace and for
the lifesaving efforts that adopted,” Torosis stated.
“Our officers are a part of this neighborhood, and violence towards them places everybody round us in danger. Their security is inseparable from the protection of the individuals they serve. The officers and personnel who responded that day deserve our gratitude and assist for his or her bravery, compassion, and dedication to Santa Monica,” she added.
A number of investigations — together with an officer-involved capturing evaluate from the Los Angele County District Lawyer’s Workplace, an inside Santa Monica Police Division inquiry, and a felony investigation into the incident — stay ongoing.
