The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) recently released footage of an officer-involved shooting in Van Nuys. Body cam footage shows LAPD officers shoot and kill a naked man who charged police wielding a 9-inch knife.
Naked Man Wields 9-Inch Knife
The incident began when LAPD officers responded to a radio call of a screaming woman. Then 18-year-old Rony Parras-Mendez answered the door naked and carrying a massive 9-inch kitchen knife, according to a report by the LAPD.
Footage shows Parras-Mendez clumsily drop the knife. At this point, the video shows officers give several commands, including “Let me see your hands,” repeatedly. However, the suspect instead bends down and picks up the weapon once more. He then immediately, inexplicably, charges one of the officers.
The video also shows officers respond, shooting and putting down the suspect. First responders pronounced the suspect dead at the scene.
Parras-Mendez physically assaulted an adult male who lives at the apartment complex prior to the arrival of LAPD, according to the report. Authorities transported the victim to a local hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, all officers involved avoided injury during the incident.
The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division responded to the scene. Additionally, the unit interviewed witnesses and collected forensic evidence, according to the report. Also, representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and LA County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the investigation, according to the report.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to LAPD. The LAPD urges anyone with further information regarding the incident to contact the police department immediately.
