California DOJ launches investigation after police fatally shoot man walking on westbound I-105
California Highway patrol officers fatally shot a man walking along lanes of the I-105 Freeway in Lynwood on Sunday, prompting a lengthy road closure and investigation.
Officers were called to the I-105 at Wilmington Avenue at about 3:15 p.m. for reports of a pedestrian on the freeway, CHP officers said.
Witnesses told them that a tall man wearing dark clothing and a backpack was walking across lanes while talking on the phone and wearing headphones.
Upon arrival, a CHP officer made contact with the man and a "struggled ensued."
"During the struggle, the pedestrian was able to access a taser he had in his possession, activated the weapon, and used the taser against the officer," said a statement from CHP on Monday. "Following the pedestrian's use of the weapon against the officer, and in fear for his safety, the officer fired his service weapon, striking the pedestrian."
The jarring incident was caught on camera, showing the deputy and suspect grappling before the officer fires multiple shots at the man on the ground.
Paramedics rushed the man was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later died. His identity has not yet been released.
On Monday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said that the Department of Justice would be investigating the incident independently in accordance with Assembly Bill 1506.
Video of the shooting has circulated on social media, eliciting a strong reaction from the public.
"I believe the use of force is problematic," said Sheryl Dorsey, a retired LAPD sergeant and loud voice in the fight against unnecessary use of police force. "The first thing that comes to mind for me iis: where was his backup? Why was he engaging with this individual without having the benefit of additional officers?"
The incident forced a lengthy road closure, lasting from around 4 p.m. Sunday until 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.
"We see no traffic on the 105 Freeway. The question that begs to be asked and answered is: Who was holding up that traffic and where were they?," Dorsey asked.
Tom Yu, a police defense attorney who is not representing anyone in this case, says sometimes it isn't as easy as waiting for backup.
"Sometimes you don't have a choice. Sometimes the suspect engages you first, you don't have the luxury to wait for your partners to arrive," he said.
After the investigation is completed, the case will be turned over to the California Department of Justice's Special Prosecution Section for additional independent review.
CHP says that the officer involved in the incident has been placed on administrative time off as part of department protocol.