A male adult suspect wielding a knife inside a local business was shot by police earlier this week.
On Monday, Dec. 14, at approximately 10:08pm, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) officers were dispatched to a business in the 2500 block of Long Beach Boulevard regarding a suspect inside armed with a knife.
The preliminary investigation determined that the suspect was waving the knife around inside the business, and some customers left in fear of their safety.
The first officers arrived on scene minutes after they were dispatched and encountered the suspect who was seated in a chair and still armed with a knife, according to police. They gave the suspect verbal commands to drop the knife, but he failed to comply with any of the officers’ orders. Officers then deployed less lethal options, which included an electronic control device and baton, but those methods were ineffective, and an officer-involved shooting occurred.
According to police, officers immediately started life-saving measures on the suspect. Long Beach Fire Department responded, rendered aid and subsequently pronounced the suspect deceased at the scene.
No officers or citizens in the business were injured.
Officers recovered the knife.
Limited portions of the incident were captured on video, which will be reviewed by homicide detectives, in addition to the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office will determine the suspect’s identity and notify next of kin.
According to police, the department thoroughly reviews all “use of force” incidents through a rigorous multi-step process that evaluates legal, policy, tactical and equipment issues. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent investigation of the shooting, as they do with all officer-involved shootings that occur in Los Angeles County that result in injury of death. The L.A. County Coroner’s Office also conducts an independent investigation of officer-involved shootings that result in death.
Those who may have witnessed this incident or has information are encouraged to call the Long Beach Police Departments Homicide Detail at (562) 570-7244.
