Fatal Shooting Incident on February 3
The Los Angeles Police Department released body camera footage Tuesday that depicts a police officer fatally shooting a man who charged at him while holding a plastic fork earlier this month.

 

Investigation Underway
The incident, resulting in the death of 36-year-old Jason Lee Maccani, is currently under investigation by the state Department of Justice. Police Chief Michel Moore expressed concerns regarding the officer’s actions during the incident to the Police Commission last week.

Details of the Incident
Authorities responded to a call on February 3 around 2:20 p.m. in the 800 block of East 7th Street, near the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. According to Captain Kelly Muniz, a business owner reported that a man, believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, was threatening employees with a stick.

Man holding a plastic fork shot and killed by LAPD

 

911 Call and Response
In the 911 audio released Tuesday, the business owner described the suspect as becoming aggressive. Upon arrival, Maccani retreated into an office on the fourth floor of the warehouse, where he had access to sharp objects, as per the business owner’s report to the police.

Police Interaction and Fatal Encounter
Security footage shows six officers approaching the office where Maccani had barricaded himself. They issued verbal commands for him to exit with his hands raised. Despite initial compliance, Maccani turned and charged at the officers. Less-lethal methods were attempted, including a projectile launcher and a beanbag shotgun, but were ineffective.

Tragic Outcome
Maccani continued advancing and made contact with one of the officers, grabbing the beanbag shotgun. Subsequently, he was shot by another officer’s gunfire, subdued, and taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. It was later discovered that the object Maccani was holding was a plastic fork, initially mistaken for a screwdriver or knife.