Bodycam Footage of LAPD Officers Shooting Knife-Wielding Man

On the night of June 20, 2018, at approximately 10:39 p.m., uniformed officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Patrol Division responded to a high-priority call involving a violent domestic incident in the Porter Ranch neighborhood. The call was dispatched as an “ambulance cutting” radio call, indicating that a woman had been stabbed and was in need of urgent medical assistance.

The incident took place at a residence in the 20000 block of Sardinia Way. According to information received by dispatch, the female victim had fled the home after being stabbed by her husband and was outside when help was requested. Upon arrival, officers found the victim lying on the ground. Several members of the community had gathered and were providing aid to her as she awaited emergency medical care.

While officers assessed the situation, their attention was drawn to a man standing at the front door of the home. The suspect, later identified as Alen Alpanian, was visibly armed with a large kitchen knife. Officers immediately issued verbal commands for Alpanian to drop the weapon. However, rather than complying, Alpanian began moving away from the doorway and advanced toward the officers, continuing to grip the knife in his hand.

As the situation escalated, officers issued multiple commands for Alpanian to disarm himself. Despite these warnings, he proceeded to cross the street in the officers' direction, still holding the knife. In an effort to subdue him without using deadly force, the officers deployed two bean bag shotguns. When those proved ineffective, they followed up with two separate Taser activations.

Unfortunately, neither the bean bag rounds nor the Tasers had any impact on Alpanian, who remained unphased and continued approaching the officers while brandishing the knife. Given the imminent threat posed by the suspect's refusal to comply and continued advance, the officers were left with no alternative and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

Alpanian was struck by police gunfire and fell to the ground. He was immediately transported by emergency personnel to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. His condition was later listed as stable. At the scene, investigators recovered an 8-inch kitchen knife, confirming the weapon he had used during the encounter.

Meanwhile, the female victim was also transported to a nearby hospital. She underwent emergency surgery for multiple stab wounds and was reported to be in critical but stable condition. Thanks to the swift response from community members and first responders, both individuals survived the ordeal.

No officers were injured during the confrontation.

The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division (FID) was dispatched to the scene to begin both an administrative and criminal investigation into the incident. FID detectives will examine all aspects of the event, including the use of less-lethal options, the progression of the threat, and the officers’ ultimate decision to use deadly force. Investigators will review body-worn camera footage, statements from witnesses, and physical evidence recovered at the scene.

In keeping with LAPD policy, the complete investigation will undergo multiple layers of review. It will be assessed by the Chief of Police, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Office of the Inspector General. These bodies will determine whether the officers’ actions were consistent with department policy and whether the use of deadly force was reasonable under the circumstances.

Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene and will independently evaluate the findings of the FID. They will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted and assess if the force used was legally justified based on the evidence and state law.

As the internal and external investigations continue, the LAPD has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in cases involving the use of force. Community safety and adherence to departmental standards remain top priorities as officials work to complete a thorough review of the incident.