A knife-wielding man who had reportedly been swinging blades at people in public made a deadly choice when Los Angeles County deputies arrived: he charged the first patrol car, stabbed the deputy who stepped out, and was shot.
The newly released body-camera and surveillance footage shows just how fast the June 20 confrontation in Lancaster exploded.
Authorities identified the man as 23-year-old Robert Castro.
One of the released clips shows the moment Castro closes the distance on the deputy, knife in hand:
The call came in at approximately 2:05 p.m. from the 44000 block of Sierra Highway.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators say deputies were responding to a report of an armed man assaulting bystanders with multiple knives. The agency’s preliminary summary places the confrontation at approximately 2:05 p.m. in the 44000 block of Sierra Highway.
Shortly after the patrol units arrived, Castro allegedly rushed toward the first deputy and began stabbing him. The deputy fired his service weapon, striking Castro and knocking him to the ground.
LASD says a second deputy-involved shooting occurred moments later. The released footage shows the second deputy repeatedly ordering Castro not to move and not to reach toward the knife before firing.
Deputies then rendered medical aid until Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel arrived. Castro was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The wounded deputy was also taken to a hospital and admitted for treatment of the stab wound. No other deputies or bystanders were injured.
Investigators recovered a knife with an approximately six-inch blade that they believe was used in the stabbing, along with additional knives at the scene.
LASD identified the second deputy who fired as Brett Schwindt. The agency also stressed that the criminal investigation remains open and that its account could change as witnesses are interviewed, evidence is analyzed, and reports are reviewed.
The California Department of Justice’s Police Shooting Investigation Team deployed to the scene after local authorities reported the fatal shooting.