By Ryanne Mena
Press-Telegram, Long Beach, Calif.
LONG BEACH, Calif. — The Long Beach Police Department released a critical incident video on Saturday of a shootout last month that left one officer injured and left 38-year-old Brandon Boyd dead.
The video begins with a police officer trying to get Boyd to walk down the steps of the Iglesia de Cristo Miel church with his hands on his head; those attempts were unsuccessful and Boyd remained seated at the church entrance.
Click below to see full video.
The next part of the video shows Boyd making suicidal comments to a hostage negotiator officer.
In the video, Boyd tells officers he’s the one who made the call reporting a man with a gun. The LBPD received reports of a man with a gun sitting on the steps of a church on the 5200 block of Atlantic Avenue at around 5:40 p.m. on Nov. 19.
“When I made that text, it was already over. Don’t take my actions personal. It’s about me,” Boyd said.
Officers continued trying to persuade Boyd to surrender for about two and a half hours, police said. SWAT resources were then called to the scene. “They implemented an arrest plan, using a diversionary device (flash bang) and less-lethal foam projectiles,” a slide from the critical incident video read.
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Surveillance footage from a camera inside the church shows Boyd reaching for a gun behind him and firing towards police after the flash bang was deployed. Boyd was then shot multiple times by Long Beach Police officers. The Long Beach Fire Department pronounced Boyd dead on the scene.
The video includes edited film from officers’ body cameras as well as surveillance video from the church.
The LBPD is investigating the shooting. The LA County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a separate independent investigation.
Boyd’s family has charged the shooting was unlawful and noted Boyd was suffering from a mental crisis, with police escalating the situation by firing the flash bang.
On social media, Mayor Rex Richardson said Saturday: “I acknowledge the deep pain, grief and strong emotions that the events on the night of Nov. 19 has caused many in our community, members of the Boyd family and our first responders. As we confront this moment, it is essential that we remain committed to supporting transparency, accountability and the pursuit of justice.”
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, or knowing of such a person, can obtain help by calling the 988 Lifeline.
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