Knife-wielding man races at officer in packed seaside park before one deadly shot rings out: video
Santa Monica Officer Fatally Shoots Knife‑Wielding Man in Crowded Seaside Park
Aug. 22 – Santa Monica, California – A Santa Monica police officer shot and killed a 44‑year‑old man in the middle of a busy oceanfront park, after the suspect charged the officer with a large knife. The incident followed a call that a man was chasing a woman near the Broadway stairs and unfolded around 12:30 p.m. on the afternoon of Aug. 22.
The police officers, responding to reports of a potential assault, arrived at the intersection of Broadway and Ocean Avenue and spoke with witnesses in the 1400 block of Palisades Park. While speaking to bystanders, the officers spotted the suspect—identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner as Michael Rodriguez—holding a large knife above his head and moving toward a uniformed officer and several pedestrians.
Video captured by the officer’s body‑camera shows the suspect ignoring repeated commands to drop the weapon. “Hey, put that down,” the officer can be heard shouting, followed by the officer’s repetition, “Put it down. Put that down.” As the suspect continued to advance, the officer fired a single shot from his department‑issued firearm, striking Rodriguez in the chest.
The body‑camera footage shows the suspect collapsing as the knife falls from his hand. The officer, along with a second officer, immediately called for backup and emergency medical personnel. The second officer is heard saying, “Officer needs help,” as he urges witnesses to remain at the scene.
When the officers approached Rodriguez, they discovered a second knife in his right pants pocket and a third knife’s handle protruding from his backpack. Police described the knife used during the confrontation as a large, fixed‑blade “fighting and utility style” weapon featuring a clip‑point blade, protective hand guard, metal grip and serrations along part of its spine.
The officer who fired the shot performed emergency care, applying gauze and a chest seal and delivering chest compressions. “Come on, you need to breathe,” the officer can be heard pleading as he continued lifesaving efforts. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel later took over medical treatment and transported Rodriguez to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at approximately 1:49 p.m., according to the hospital.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Rodriguez’s death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the chest. No other officers, bystanders or members of the public sustained injuries in the incident.
In a statement released after the release of the body‑camera video, Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob said, “Any loss of life is tragic, and we recognize the impact on the family, our officers and our community.” He added, “Our officers face difficult and dangerous situations every day. 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.”
Detectives from the Santa Monica Police Department are conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting, while the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will separately review the officer’s use of deadly force. The police department also is conducting an internal administrative investigation. Authorities have cautioned that the released video and briefing represent preliminary evidence and do not constitute final findings.
The incident highlights the rapid escalation that can occur in public spaces and the difficult decisions officers face when confronted with armed suspects. As the investigation proceeds, the community will await the findings of both the criminal and civil review processes.