An investigation is underway in the fatal officer-involved shooting late Monday night, when several San Fernando Police Department (SFPD) officers shot and killed a man wielding a shovel in the alleyway behind Library Plaza near Third Street and Maclay Avenue.
A video of the shooting has been circulating online. Recorded by a neighbor, the video, 27 seconds long, shows at least four SFPD officers at the scene, with at least one who appears to have his firearm drawn, pointing toward the man as they follow him in the alley behind Library Plaza. The man is seen holding a shovel downward as he walks away in front of the officers and goes briefly out of frame. He then reappears and walks toward the officers holding up the shovel.
That’s when the officers discharged their firearms at the man who immediately fell to the ground. As the man hits the pavement, police in a line formation take steps back.
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the City of San Fernando released the following statement regarding the video:
“The City is aware that video of the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Aug. 31 near Maclay Avenue and Third Street is circulating online. We understand that the footage may be disturbing to residents and others who view it.
“The video has been provided to the California Department of Justice’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team for review as part of its independent investigation. While that investigation remains underway, the City and the San Fernando Police Department will not speculate about the footage or reach conclusions regarding the actions of those involved.
Numerous online comments about the officer-involved shooting have been critical of the department.
“I truly believe that all officers need to get some sort of classes to learn to de-scalate situations like this one,” wrote Georgina Mejia Carranza on Facebook. “Praying for change.”
“I understand from a policeman’s perspective about getting home safely, but a man with a shovel?” commented Sam Smalley. “I don’t understand why you couldn’t shoot him in the leg. Why does it have to be lethal?”
A growing memorial of candles, flowers, photographs and handwritten messages is seen Sept. 3 near the site where San Fernando Police Department officers fatally shot a man in the alley behind Library Plaza on Aug. 31. 
Several bullet impact marks are visible on the back wall of Library Plaza in the alley near Third Street and Maclay Avenue in San Fernando. 
Several bullet impact marks are visible on the back wall of Library Plaza in the alley near Third Street and Maclay Avenue in San Fernando.
One man near the scene reported hearing as many as 15 shots fired. At least 10 bullet holes have been found along the back wall of Library Plaza, where the shooting occurred. It has not been confirmed if SFPD officers were wearing body cams. The DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team has initiated an independent investigation.
SFPD has a history of conflict and fatal shootings. The department has had personnel issues and its former chief, Fabian Valdez, found himself at odds with some members of the city council and after an announcement was made about his “retirement.” Valdez took a job training officers in New Mexico. Anthony Miranda has been designated as the city’s interim police chief.
“The City recognizes the seriousness of this incident and the questions it has raised,” continued the city’s statement. “Our thoughts remain with those injured and everyone affected. The City will continue providing verified information that is available for public release, while questions concerning evidence or investigative findings should be directed to the California Department of Justice.”
According to a statement released by the SFPD, “Los Angeles Fire Department personnel provided emergency medical aid, but the man remained unresponsive and was pronounced deceased. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.”
Anyone with information related to this officer-involved shooting may contact the DOJ at (916) 210-2871.
This should of not happened. They did not need to kill this man they do not no how to deal with mental illness they need more training. He only had a shovel yes he was in the wrong but this hits close to home In my back yard. When I saw the man’s body laid on the floor it really upset me. I was angry San Fernando Police need more training like all Police we have so much mental illness in Los Angeles. They did this to my son many years ago when he was not in his right mind so I feel for the family so tragic. The police have other ways to take a person down right away they shoot to kill.