Suspect Gets Shot After Advancing Towards LAPD Officers With a Knife

Late in the morning on December 18, 2021, officers with the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment complex located in the 2200 block of Wall Street. The call came in at approximately 10:45 a.m., prompting officers to head to the scene to investigate a potentially volatile situation. Upon arrival, the officers began conducting a preliminary assessment and speaking with individuals at the locationWhile the officers were still on-site, a man later identified as 34-year-old Rosendo Olivio Jr. approached them in a highly aggressive manner. Witnesses and body camera footage later revealed that Olivio was holding a folding knife in one hand and a butane torch lighter in the other. According to official reports, Olivio appeared agitated and confrontational. He was yelling profanities and issuing threats, including a claim that he intended to set the apartment building on fire.The officers immediately recognized the danger posed by Olivio’s behavior and the weapons he was wielding. They issued multiple verbal commands, instructing him to drop the knife and stop advancing. Despite these clear warnings, Olivio continued moving toward the officers, still armed and disregarding all police instructions. The situation escalated quickly, as his refusal to comply represented a serious threat to both the officers and nearby residents.

Faced with a rapidly developing threat, one or more officers discharged their firearms in response to Olivio’s aggressive advance. Olivio was struck by the gunfire and fell to the ground. Officers quickly moved in to assess the situation and secure the area, ensuring no further threat was present.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, who had been dispatched to assist at the scene, arrived shortly after the shooting. Upon evaluation, they pronounced Olivio deceased at the location. The knife he had been holding was recovered nearby, confirming initial witness accounts and supporting officer statements.

Fortunately, no officers were injured during the encounter. The swift response and adherence to police protocol prevented further harm to law enforcement personnel or the public. However, the outcome was tragic, and as with all officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles, the incident triggered multiple levels of investigation.The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division began an in-depth inquiry into the circumstances of the shooting. In accordance with department policy, investigators will examine body-worn camera footage, interview involved officers and witnesses, and analyze physical and forensic evidence collected from the scene. The goal is to determine whether the use of deadly force was consistent with LAPD guidelines and California law.

Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will conduct its own review to assess whether any criminal charges or further actions are warranted. The Office of the Inspector General and the Civilian Police Commission will also oversee the investigation process to ensure transparency and accountability.

The death of Rosendo Olivio Jr. adds to the complex and often contentious dialogue surrounding use-of-force incidents involving police officers, especially those responding to mental health or domestic disturbances. As the investigations move forward, the LAPD has committed to sharing findings with the public and continuing efforts to train officers in de-escalation and crisis response techniques.This incident underscores the unpredictable and dangerous nature of domestic violence calls. While officers are trained to resolve such situations peacefully, they must also be prepared to make split-second decisions to protect themselves and the public. The investigations now underway will seek to clarify the exact sequence of events and determine whether all procedures were properly followed.The LAPD encourages anyone with additional information about the incident to contact investigators. The department continues to work toward building trust and transparency within the community as part of its ongoing reform and accountability efforts.