A confrontation between Oakland police and an armed man ended in a fatal shooting after authorities said he ignored repeated commands to drop his weapons. Police identified the man as Jose Angel Castillo, 43, who was reportedly carrying bladed weapons near a homeless encampment. Officers used both less-lethal and lethal force after Castillo allegedly lunged at them. No officers or bystanders were physically injured.
The encounter occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on July 13 near 40th Avenue and International Boulevard. Newly released body-camera and security footage shows officers following Castillo, issuing repeated orders and attempting to control the situation before gunfire was reported.
| 1) | Police respond to an armed man near an Oakland encampment |
| 2) | Repeated commands precede the escalation |
| 3) | Officers use less-lethal and lethal force |
| 4) | Fatal outcome and evidence recovered |
| 5) | Multiple investigations examine the shooting |
Police respond to an armed man near an Oakland encampment
The incident began after the California Highway Patrol requested assistance from the Oakland Police Department shortly after 2 p.m. Officers encountered Jose Angel Castillo near a homeless encampment at 40th Avenue and International Boulevard. An officer told dispatch that the subject was carrying two knives and acting aggressively.
Body-camera footage shows officers moving behind Castillo as they attempted to manage the encounter on the street. Police said the man had multiple weapons, and officers referred during the confrontation to knives and a hammer. The department later described the weapons as bladed weapons.
Repeated commands precede the escalation
Officers repeatedly ordered Castillo to put down the objects he was carrying. The commands included instructions to drop a knife, stop where he was standing and comply with police orders. One officer told him that he was being detained and directed him to put the weapons down immediately.
The footage captures Castillo asking officers what they were doing to him and what he had done. He also told officers to leave him alone. Police continued issuing commands as the standoff developed, while one officer announced that a Taser was ready.
“Drop the knives. Drop the knives!”
Officers use less-lethal and lethal force
According to the police account, Castillo refused to comply and lunged at officers with a weapon. Officers then used both less-lethal and lethal force. The footage shows the confrontation ending in gunfire, followed immediately by an officer radioing that shots had been fired.
The available account does not establish every movement or decision made in the final moments. The department said its investigations would examine the officers’ actions, the commands given and the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force.
Fatal outcome and evidence recovered
Castillo was struck by gunfire and died at the scene, police said. Officers attempted life-saving measures immediately afterward. Authorities said no officers or bystanders suffered physical injuries in the encounter.
Police initially reported recovering multiple weapons. The video appears to show Castillo carrying more than one weapon, while officers can be heard referring to two knives and a hammer. Police later confirmed that bladed weapons were involved.
Multiple investigations examine the shooting
The officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave under department policy. The Oakland Police Department opened criminal and administrative investigations into the use of force. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office also launched an independent investigation, and Oakland’s Community Police Review Agency was notified.
Civil rights attorney Jim Chanin, who monitors the department, questioned whether the circumstances justified deadly force. He said the central issue was not simply whether a person posed a threat, but what level of force was justified under the circumstances.
“Did it justify deadly force? There are lots of people who are threats, the question is, does it, what kind of force is justified?”
Police said additional information was being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigations. The department said it would provide further updates when appropriate under the law.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The July 13 confrontation occurred near 40th Avenue and International Boulevard in Oakland. |
| 2 | Police said Castillo was carrying bladed weapons and ignored repeated commands. |
| 3 | Officers used less-lethal and lethal force after an alleged lunge. |
| 4 | Castillo died at the scene, while no officers or bystanders were physically injured. |
| 5 | Local and independent agencies are investigating the use of force. |
Summary
The Oakland shooting followed a tense encounter involving a man police said was armed with bladed weapons and refusing repeated commands. The fatal use of force is now subject to criminal, administrative and independent reviews. Those investigations are expected to assess the threat officers faced, the sequence of commands and whether the response complied with department policy and applicable law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Oakland police shooting?
Jose Angel Castillo, 43, was fatally shot after police said he lunged at officers while armed.
When and where did the confrontation occur?
It occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on July 13 near 40th Avenue and International Boulevard in Oakland, California.
What investigations are underway?
The Oakland Police Department is conducting criminal and administrative investigations. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent investigation, and the Community Police Review Agency has been notified.
Were any other people injured?
Police said no officers or bystanders were physically injured.
