California DOJ investigates fatal police shooting of unarmed person in Lathrop
LATHROP, Calif. —
One person died after at least one Lathrop Police Department officer fired their gun at an unarmed person in a San Joaquin County neighborhood, the California Department of Justice said Friday.
Attorney General Rob Bonta said the DOJ is conducting its own independent investigation and review of a police shooting that “resulted in the death of one individual.” State law requires the DOJ to investigate and review police shootings involving unarmed civilians.
The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. Thursday on Pamela Court and Chandra Way after a report of a domestic violence situation. It’s in a neighborhood east of Interstate 5 and south of J Street.
The shooting happened as officers contacted the people involved in the situation, police said. Police did not explain why gunfire broke out or how many officers fired their weapons.
Lathrop police did say on Friday that officers provided medical aid to the person who was shot, who later died at the hospital. No officers were hurt.
The identity of the person killed was not released.
“Consistent with standard procedure for this type of officer-involved shooting, the Lathrop Police Department requested that the California Department of Justice conduct an investigation,” Lathrop police said in a statement.
At least 10 people wearing suits arrived and entered the crime scene at around 12:30 a.m. Friday, according to KCRA 3’s Andres Valle, who was at the scene.
A large white command center truck was also visible as officers investigated.
Police initially blocked off Chandra Way between Lottie Way and Warfield Road, but by 12:15 a.m. Friday, officers reopened Chandra Way and moved the crime scene tape up to Pamela Court.
KCRA 3’s Melanie Wingo observed police clear the scene around 4:30 a.m. Friday. Officers investigated the area for about 11 hours overall.
The Lathrop Police Department is conducting its own investigation into the shooting, which is protocol whenever an officer fires their service weapon.
Once the DOJ completes its separate investigation, it will turn over its findings to its Special Prosecutions Section.
This is a developing story. Stay with KCRA 3 for the latest.
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