On Thursday afternoon, a man was fatally shot by LAPD officers after he charged at them with a large kitchen knife. The Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner identified the man as 38-year-old Juan Guerrero Rojo, as reported by ABC7. Authorities were called to an apartment complex on the 1400 block of North Bronson Avenue following reports of a potentially suicidal individual.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Guerrero Rojo had exhibited behavior that was deeply concerning, stating he was conversing with apparitions and threatened to end his own life. He also made violent threats towards anyone approaching his apartment. LAPD officers arrived at the location and attempted to engage Guerrero Rojo after announcing their presence.
However, the confrontation escalated quickly as the man abruptly opened his apartment door and ran towards the officers, wielding the knife. "Shortly thereafter, the subject suddenly exited the apartment and ran towards the officers armed with a large kitchen knife," according to a statement obtained by KTLA. In response, officers used lethal force alongside the deployment of a less-lethal foam round nearly simultaneously.
Guerrero Rojo was transported to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. No officers or bystanders sustained injuries during the incident. Detectives have since recovered the knife and booked it into evidence. The LAPD's Force Investigation Division is now conducting an inquiry into the shooting, and the initial reports are subject to change as the investigation progresses.
These events again highlight the critical intersection of law enforcement and mental health crises. If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, resources and support can be reached by calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, as a reminder included in the incident coverage provided by KTLA.
