A police response to reports of a man chasing a woman spiraled into a deadly confrontation when an unrelated knife-wielding man charged an officer through a crowded seaside park in California, chilling new bodycam video shows.
The tense encounter unfolded Aug. 22 as Santa Monica Police Department officers investigated a report of a man chasing a woman near the Broadway stairs, according to a newly released critical incident briefing.
The man killed in the confrontation was identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner as 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez.
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Two uniformed officers responded to Broadway and Ocean Avenue at approximately 12:30 p.m. before speaking with witnesses in the 1400 block of Palisades Park.
The popular oceanfront park was crowded with pedestrians, visitors and vendors that Saturday afternoon when officers spotted Rodriguez, who was unrelated to the original call, holding a large knife above his head and moving toward an officer and several bystanders, police said.
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“Hey, put that down,” an officer can be heard repeatedly shouting as he draws his gun and backs away from Rodriguez.
“Put it down. Put that down,” the officer commands.
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Rodriguez ignored the warnings and continued advancing with the knife raised above his head, according to police. He then quickened his pace and closed the distance between him and the officer while the officer retreated.
The officer fired one round from his department-issued firearm, striking Rodriguez in the chest.
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Bodycam video from the second officer shows Rodriguez falling to the ground as the knife drops from his hand.
The officers immediately called for backup and requested emergency medical personnel.
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“Officer needs help,” one officer can be heard saying before asking witnesses to remain at the scene.
As police approached Rodriguez and checked him for additional weapons, an officer discovered a second knife in his right pants pocket. Officers also spotted the handle of a third knife sticking out of his backpack, police said.
Investigators described the knife carried during the confrontation as a large, fixed-blade “fighting and utility style” weapon with a clip-point blade, protective hand guard, metal grip and serrations along part of its spine.
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Officers immediately began treating Rodriguez, applying gauze and a chest seal to his wound before performing chest compressions.
“Come on, you need to breathe,” an officer can be heard pleading as police continued their lifesaving efforts.
Santa Monica Fire Department personnel later took over medical care and transported Rodriguez to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room at approximately 1:49 p.m.
Rodriguez died from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the medical examiner, who ruled his death a homicide. The case remains open, according to agency records.
No officers, bystanders or other members of the public were injured.
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“Any loss of life is tragic, and we recognize the impact on the family, our officers and our community,” Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob said.
“Our officers face difficult and dangerous situations every day,” Jacob continued. “When a life is lost during a police encounter, our responsibility to provide a clear and open account is especially important. Releasing this video is an important step in providing that account to our community.”
The Santa Monica Police Department said detectives are conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will separately review the officer’s use of deadly force, while the police department conducts an internal administrative investigation.
Authorities cautioned that the bodycam video and accompanying briefing reflect preliminary evidence and do not represent final findings or conclusions.