LAPD investigates beanbag shooting of knife-wielding suspect in Westlake
The Los Angeles Police Department announced a use of force investigation this week into the discharge of a beanbag shotgun round used in the apprehension of an armed suspect at a Westlake pharmacy last month.
Newly released body cam video of the May 18 incident in the 1700 block of West 6th Street shows officers ordering 31-year-old Shalon Smith to drop a knife.
The officers were called to the scene when someone reported Smith was creating a disturbance and arguing with customers inside the store.
The video showed Smith refusing multiple orders to drop the knife during a confrontation with police.
“After a short standoff, Smith raised the knife and appeared to take a step toward officers, which resulted in the discharge of a Beanbag Shotgun round,” police stated in a news release.
Smith immediately fell to the ground after being struck in the abdomen and was taken into custody without further incident.
He was transported to a local hospital and later released after a “prolonged” observation, police said.
Smith was later arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted robbery.
A black folding knife with a 3-inch blade was recovered at the scene, police said.
The Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is working to determine if the use of force was appropriate.
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