BELLFLOWER, Calif. (KABC) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has released body camera footage and a detailed account of a deadly confrontation in which deputies fatally shot an armed man who allegedly rammed his muscle car into a patrol vehicle in Long Beach.
Timeline of Events
The incident began on March 19, around 9:18 p.m., when deputies from the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station responded to a home on the 15900 block of Indiana Avenue in Paramount. They were investigating a report of a restraining order violation.
A woman at the home told deputies that 40-year-old Jose Acosta had shown up demanding to be let inside, in direct violation of a protective order.
Shortly afterward, deputies spotted Acosta driving an orange 1970s-era Pontiac near the residence. They followed him to the intersection of East Artesia Boulevard and Downey Avenue in Long Beach.
Suspect Crashes Into Patrol Vehicle
According to investigators, Acosta stopped at a red light as three sheriff’s vehicles pulled up behind him.
“As deputies prepared to conduct a traffic stop, Acosta suddenly put his car in reverse,” the department said in its statement. “Acosta accelerated backwards and slammed into the front of a patrol vehicle.”
Bodycam video shows the moment of impact, with an airbag deploying inside the deputy’s car. Two other deputies in a nearby vehicle witnessed the crash. Moments later, Acosta raised his hand inside the Pontiac.
“He’s got a knife in his hand,” a deputy is heard shouting.
Deputies Open Fire
Authorities say Acosta got out of the vehicle, fell to the ground, and continued holding the knife. Deputies can be heard repeatedly ordering him to drop the weapon.
Instead, officials say Acosta stood up and charged at deputies. In response, deputies opened fire, discharging multiple rounds.
Acosta was pronounced dead at the scene. A knife was recovered and booked as evidence.
Ongoing Investigation
The deputy who was inside the patrol car struck during the crash was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is continuing its investigation. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will also conduct an independent review of the shooting.
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