The Long Beach Police Department has made public a Critical Incident Video related to the officer-involved shooting on November 19, 2024, on the 5200 block of Atlantic Avenue. In alignment with Senate Bill 1421 and Assembly Bill 748, which mandate the release of records and evidence under certain conditions, the department released the footage to provide a preliminary overview of the event to the public. The video, described as containing graphic content, comes as part of a broader push for transparency in such critical incidents.
During the incident, officers responded to reports of a man with a gun at the stated location around 3:15 P.M. The suspect, when found, matched the description from the initial call, and despite the efforts of de-escalation including the deployment of a hostage negotiator and a Mental Evaluation Team, remained non-compliant. With SWAT on the scene, an effort of over two and a half hours was made with de-escalation, and only after the suspect brandished a firearm did the shooting occur, in which the suspect and four officers exchanged gunfire.
An officer wounded in the arm was later treated and released from the hospital. The suspect, who suffered fatal gunshot wounds, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Long Beach Fire Department. Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene. To provide a full account of what transpired, the Long Beach Police Department is in the process of reviewing body-worn camera footage that will be shared with the public once the review is completed.
The identity of the deceased suspect is withheld as the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner carries the weight of notification to the next of kin. Solidifying the investigation, homicide detectives arrived at the scene, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is conducting an independent investigation in addition to the Police Department's review. Witnesses with information on the shooting have been urged to come forward by contacting Homicide Detectives Kelsey Myers or Ethan Shear or by providing anonymous tips through various channels.
For further information or to view the released video, individuals can visit the Long Beach Police Department's official statement. This disclosure forms part of a broader discussion and scrutiny of police-involved shootings and the imperative for procedural transparency and thorough investigation.
