Home / Crime and Justice / Bodycam Captures Fatal Police Shooting in Santa Monica Park
Bodycam Captures Fatal Police Shooting in Santa Monica Park
13 Sep
Summary
- Man approached officers with a knife, authorities said.
- Police bodycam video released showing the shooting incident.
- Shooting occurred in crowded Palisades Park on August 22.
A man was fatally shot by Santa Monica police officers on August 22 in the busy Palisades Park. The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez. The incident unfolded as officers were investigating a report of a man chasing a woman near the Broadway stairs.
Authorities stated that Rodriguez was not connected to the initial investigation. As officers gathered witness statements, they observed Rodriguez holding a large knife above his head. Body camera footage released by the Santa Monica Police Department shows Rodriguez walking toward officers with the knife pointed at them.
Officers repeatedly ordered Rodriguez to drop the weapon before shots were fired. Bystanders were seen moving out of the way as the situation escalated. A large, fixed-blade utility knife was found on Rodriguez, along with two other knives. Lifesaving measures were attempted, but Rodriguez was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The shooting occurred in front of numerous park visitors, including families and vendors. The Santa Monica Police Department's Internal Affairs Unit is conducting a separate investigation into the shooting, and the information released is considered preliminary.
