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BWC: Man fatally shot after trying to attack Calif. officer with shovel

The man forcibly swung the shovel twice, hitting an Anaheim Police cruiser; when he turned to approach the officer, the officer opened fire

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Police Department released body-worn camera video showing a fatal officer-involved shooting of a man who attempted to attack an officer with a shovel, KABC reported.

The incident took place Sept. 15 near John Marshall Elementary School, according to the report. Officers responded to a report of a man behaving erratically, possibly under the influence, and carrying a brick and a shovel.

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Dash camera footage shows the officer coming to a stop at an intersection. The man can be seen running at the cruiser from one of the side streets. As he approached, the officer got out of the cruiser and issued instructions for the man to drop the shovel.

Body camera footage shows the man raising the shovel over his head as he came closer. He swung the shovel twice, striking the cruiser. Then he turned and started to approach the officer, who had backed away from the vehicle. As the man approached, the officer fired several shots, striking the suspect.

The officer provided medical aid before paramedics transported the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later, according to the report. The officer was not injured.

The shooting prompted a temporary lockdown at John Marshall Elementary School, though police said students were not exposed to the incident. The Anaheim Elementary School District confirmed the lockdown was a precaution and that there was no direct threat to students or staff.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com