Police Shootings In Boyle Heights Prompt New Review

A police video released by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) shows officers firing at a man in Boyle Heights after he brandished knives and a kitchen tool. The incident occurred around 1:35 a.m. on May 16 when officers from the Hollenbeck Patrol Division responded to a 911 call about a violent assault with a weapon.

Key Details

• Victim: 40‑year‑old Robert Velásquez, a parolee with a history of felony convictions.
• Caller: His mother (Spanish‑speaking) reported that Velásquez was experiencing a severe paranoid schizophrenia episode, had broken into his aunt’s house, and threatened self‑harm.
• Second Call: Within minutes, another caller reported Velásquez fleeing to a nearby street, still armed and screaming.
• Scene: Officers found a family member of Velásquez outside his home when they arrived.
• Escalation: Velásquez burst through the front door with two knives and a grilling fork. Officers ordered him to drop the weapons; when he threw one knife at them, they opened fire.

Shooting Sequence

• Shots Fired: Nine shots in total, including a 40 mm foam projectile that eventually stopped him.
• Outcome: Velásquez fell after being hit, tried to stand with weapons still in hand, and continued to throw knives until he collapsed.
• Injuries: No officers or bystanders were injured. The police recovered the weapons as evidence.

Aftermath

• Medical Care: Paramedics treated Velásquez and transported him to a local hospital.
• Legal Status: He was later moved to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility on $125,000 bail and faces two counts of assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer.
• Court Date: Scheduled to appear on July 6.

LAPD Response

LAPD officials said the department will review the shooting under its use‑of‑force guidelines. The video and 911 audio were released following standard protocols, and an internal investigation is underway.