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Santa Monica Police Release Bodycam Video of Fatal Knife Confrontation in Palisades Park
The Santa Monica Police Department released bodycam footage showing a fatal officer-involved shooting on Aug. 22 in Palisades Park, where a knife-wielding man charged an officer. The man, identified as 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez, was shot once in the chest and later pronounced dead. The shooting remains under investigation by multiple agencies.
The Santa Monica Police Department has released bodycam video of a deadly confrontation in Palisades Park in which an officer shot and killed a knife-wielding man who charged at him through a crowded seaside park on Aug. 22.
The man was identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner as 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez. He died from a single gunshot wound to the chest and his death was ruled a homicide. The case remains open, according to agency records.
Two uniformed officers responded to a report of a man chasing a woman near the Broadway stairs at approximately 12:30 p.m. and spoke with witnesses in the 1400 block of Palisades Park. The popular oceanfront park was crowded with pedestrians, visitors and vendors that Saturday afternoon.
While investigating the original call, officers spotted Rodriguez, who was unrelated to that report, holding a large knife above his head and moving toward an officer and several bystanders, police said.
Bodycam video shows an officer repeatedly shouting «Hey, put that down» and «Put it down. Put that down» as he draws his gun and backs away. Rodriguez ignored the warnings and continued advancing with the knife raised, then quickened his pace and closed the distance while the officer retreated.
The officer fired one round from his department-issued firearm, striking Rodriguez in the chest. Video from a second officer shows Rodriguez falling to the ground as the knife drops from his hand. The officers immediately called for backup and requested emergency medical personnel.
As police approached Rodriguez and checked him for additional weapons, an officer discovered a second knife in his right pants pocket. Officers also spotted the handle of a third knife sticking out of his backpack, police said.
Investigators described the knife carried during the confrontation as a large, fixed-blade «fighting and utility style» weapon with a clip-point blade, protective hand guard, metal grip and serrations along part of its spine.
Officers began treating Rodriguez immediately, applying gauze and a chest seal to his wound before performing chest compressions. «Come on, you need to breathe,» an officer can be heard pleading as police continued their lifesaving efforts.
Santa Monica Fire Department personnel later took over medical care and transported Rodriguez to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room at approximately 1:49 p.m.
No officers, bystanders or other members of the public were injured.
Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob said in a statement that «any loss of life is tragic, and we recognize the impact on the family, our officers and our community.»
«Our officers face difficult and dangerous situations every day,» Jacob continued. «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.»
The Santa Monica Police Department said detectives are conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will separately review the officer's use of deadly force, while the police department conducts an internal administrative investigation.
Authorities cautioned that the bodycam video and accompanying briefing reflect preliminary evidence and do not represent final findings or conclusions.
