Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob released body-camera footage Saturday of officers fatally shooting a knife-wielding man near the city’s famous pier.
The video captures the final moments of Michael Rodriguez, 44, who died at a hospital after being shot once in the chest on Aug. 22. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified him. No officers or bystanders were hurt during the encounter.
Two officers had been speaking with witnesses about an unrelated matter in the busy tourist area when they spotted Rodriguez approaching with a serrated knife raised above his head. Both officers immediately began shouting at him to drop the weapon as they backed away, according to the footage.
“Put that down!” the officers yelled repeatedly as Rodriguez continued moving toward them, then accelerated his pace.
One officer fired a single round, striking Rodriguez in the chest. He dropped the knife, and an officer kicked it away before beginning CPR on the fallen man.
Jacob addressed the department’s decision to make the video public in a statement. “Our officers answer calls for help knowing the circumstances can change in an instant. On August 22, they encountered an armed individual while assisting with an unrelated call,” he said.
“I recognize the lasting impact an incident like this can have on the officers and personnel who responded, and they have my support. When a life is lost during a police encounter, our responsibility to provide a clear and open account is especially important. Releasing this video is an important step in providing that account to our community,” he continued.
Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis also spoke out, praising the officers’ actions under pressure. “I am grateful for the courage our officers showed in the face of an armed threat and for the lifesaving efforts that followed,” she said.
“Our officers are part of this community, and violence against them puts everyone around us at risk. Their safety is inseparable from the safety of the people they serve. The officers and personnel who responded that day deserve our gratitude and support for their bravery, compassion, and commitment to Santa Monica,” she added.
The weapon Rodriguez carried featured a hilt with a sharp, serrated edge resembling a combat knife. Police later discovered two additional knives on him — one sheathed in his backpack that appeared similar to the first, and another in his pocket with a metal grip, holes, and wrapped material.
The motive for Rodriguez’s charge at officers remains unknown. He was not the subject of the original call that brought police to the area.
Multiple investigations into the shooting are active. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an officer-involved shooting review, while the Santa Monica Police Department has launched an internal inquiry. A separate criminal investigation is also underway.