LA County Video Shows 23-Year-Old Stab Deputy Before Fatal Lancaster Shooting

Q: Why did a second deputy open fire on an already wounded suspect lying on the ground during the Lancaster parking lot encounter?

The second deputy fired because authorities say Robert Castro was still making movements that suggested he might be reaching for a weapon even after he had been shot and was on the ground. According to the sheriff’s department and the released body-camera footage, Castro had already stabbed the first deputy and was known to be armed with multiple knives. When the second deputy arrived, Castro was face down but moved one of his hands. The deputy repeatedly shouted, “Stop reaching,” and then fired when Castro did not comply. Investigators said three knives were recovered at the scene. That means the department’s stated justification is that the threat had not clearly ended: Castro had just carried out a knife attack, deputies knew he had multiple blades, and the second deputy interpreted his hand movement as a possible attempt to access another weapon. At the same time, whether that shot was legally justified remains unresolved. Community advocates have questioned whether Castro still posed an immediate threat once he was down. The California Department of Justice is now independently investigating the fatal shooting under state law, and that review will examine the footage, witness accounts and whether the use of force was justified under the circumstances.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 30

Newly released bodycam and surveillance footage shows 23-year-old Robert Castro stabbing a Los Angeles County deputy within seconds of the deputy’s arrival at a June 20 call in Lancaster.
A 911 caller had reported a man swinging multiple knives in public, and investigators said Castro abruptly changed direction, rushed the patrol car before it stopped, and stabbed the deputy.
Bodycam pre-event recording captured the 60 seconds before the attack without audio; a second deputy’s camera showed the first deputy firing, then firing again after yelling, “Stop reaching,” as Castro moved on the ground.
Three knives were recovered at the scene, the wounded deputy was hospitalized, Castro died at a hospital after deputies rendered aid, and no other deputies or civilians were injured.
The California Department of Justice is investigating the officer-involved fatality, while the sheriff’s department said it released the footage before that probe was complete for transparency.