A man carrying a large knife was fatally shot by a Santa Monica police officer after advancing through a crowded seaside park, newly released bodycam footage shows. The confrontation occurred on Aug. 22, 2026, while officers were responding to a separate report involving a man allegedly chasing a woman. Police identified the man who was killed as 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez.
Officers said Rodriguez ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon and moved toward an officer and nearby bystanders. The officer fired one round, striking Rodriguez in the chest. Authorities said no officers, bystanders or other members of the public were injured.
The shooting is being reviewed through a criminal investigation, an examination by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and an internal police administrative inquiry. Officials cautioned that the video and briefing represent preliminary evidence, not final conclusions.
| 1) | Police respond to an unrelated report |
| 2) | Knife-wielding man advances in crowded park |
| 3) | Officer fires a single fatal shot |
| 4) | Medical efforts and weapons recovery |
| 5) | Multiple investigations remain open |
Police respond to an unrelated report
Two uniformed Santa Monica police officers went to the area of Broadway and Ocean Avenue at about 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 22 after receiving a report of a man chasing a woman. The officers later spoke with witnesses near the 1400 block of Palisades Park, a popular oceanfront location in Santa Monica, California.
Police said Rodriguez was not connected to the original call. While officers were investigating, they saw him carrying a large knife and moving toward an officer and several people in the park. The area was busy with pedestrians, visitors and vendors during the afternoon.
Knife-wielding man advances in crowded park
According to police, Rodriguez held the fixed-blade knife above his head as he approached. Bodycam footage shows an officer drawing his firearm and backing away while repeatedly ordering Rodriguez to put the knife down.
The officer continued retreating as Rodriguez ignored the commands and moved closer. Police said Rodriguez then increased his pace, reducing the distance between himself and the officer while the knife remained raised. The circumstances placed the officer and nearby members of the public in a rapidly developing threat, according to the police account.
“Hey, put that down,” the officer can be heard saying repeatedly in the bodycam footage.
Officer fires a single fatal shot
As Rodriguez continued advancing, the officer fired one round from a department-issued firearm. The bullet struck Rodriguez in the chest, and footage from a second officer’s body-worn camera shows him falling as the knife dropped from his hand.
Officers immediately called for assistance and requested emergency medical personnel. Rodriguez was taken to a local hospital after firefighters assumed responsibility for medical treatment. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room at approximately 1:49 p.m.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined that Rodriguez died from a gunshot wound to the chest and classified the death as a homicide. The classification describes the manner of death and does not by itself establish criminal liability.
Medical efforts and weapons recovery
After the shooting, officers checked Rodriguez for additional weapons and began lifesaving treatment. They applied gauze and a chest seal to the wound before performing chest compressions while waiting for further medical support.
Police said the knife involved in the confrontation was a large fighting and utility-style weapon with a clip-point blade, a protective hand guard, a metal grip and serrations along part of its spine. Officers also recovered a second knife from Rodriguez’s right pants pocket.
A third knife was found in Rodriguez’s backpack after officers saw its handle protruding. The presence of the additional weapons was included in the department’s briefing and video release.
Multiple investigations remain open
The Santa Monica Police Department said detectives are conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting. Separately, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will review the officer’s use of deadly force, while the department conducts an internal administrative investigation.
Police Chief Darrick Jacob said the death was tragic and acknowledged its effect on Rodriguez’s family, officers and the wider community. He said releasing the footage was intended to provide a clear and open account of the encounter.
“When a life is lost during a police encounter, our responsibility to provide a clear and open account is especially important,” Jacob said.
Authorities emphasized that the bodycam footage and accompanying briefing reflect preliminary evidence. Final findings will depend on the pending reviews and investigations.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The confrontation occurred Aug. 22 in Palisades Park in Santa Monica. |
| 2 | Police said Michael Rodriguez advanced with a raised large knife despite commands to stop. |
| 3 | An officer fired one round, and Rodriguez later died at a hospital. |
| 4 | The shooting is subject to criminal, prosecutorial and administrative reviews. |
Summary
The released bodycam video documents a fatal encounter in which police said Michael Rodriguez advanced toward an officer with a large knife in a crowded Santa Monica park. Officers provided immediate medical aid, but Rodriguez died at a hospital. Investigators and prosecutors will assess the circumstances and the officer’s use of deadly force before final conclusions are reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred near the 1400 block of Palisades Park, an oceanfront park in Santa Monica, California.
What did police say happened before the shot was fired?
Police said Rodriguez approached an officer with a large knife raised above his head and continued advancing despite repeated orders to drop it.
Who is investigating the shooting?
Santa Monica police detectives are conducting a criminal investigation. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is separately reviewing the use of deadly force, and the police department is conducting an internal administrative inquiry.