From California Post · · 1m 30s
One round on the Santa Monica Pier
Bodycam video shows how fast a routine call turned into a fatal shooting near a packed beachfront.
In brief
Bodycam video shows how fast a routine call turned into a fatal shooting near a packed beachfront. Santa Monica police released the video themselves, with three separate investigations still open into a shooting that lasted seconds. Originally reported by California Post.
A routine call, interrupted
On Aug. 22, two Santa Monica officers were talking to witnesses about an unrelated matter near the crowded pier. Then they spotted a man holding a serrated knife overhead.
Put that down
Both officers started shouting the same order as the man kept walking at them. They backpedaled instead of closing the distance.
“Put that down!”
One round fired
As the man picked up speed, one officer fired a single shot into his chest. He dropped the knife.
Then they tried to save him
An officer kicked the knife away from the man and started CPR on the spot. He died later at the hospital.
Michael Rodriguez, 44
The LA County Medical Examiner identified him as 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez. No officers or bystanders were hurt.
Three knives, no motive
The blade he carried had a serrated edge like a combat knife. Police found two more on him, one sheathed in his backpack and one in his pocket with a wrapped metal grip. Why he charged is unknown.
Why the video is public
Chief Darrick Jacob said an open account matters most when a life is lost. A DA review, an internal inquiry and a criminal investigation are all still running.
“When a life is lost during a police encounter, our responsibility to provide a clear and open account is especially important.”
The big picture
Santa Monica police released the video themselves, with three separate investigations still open into a shooting that lasted seconds.
