California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Jason Maccani

OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Jason Maccani's death from an officer-involved shooting in Los Angeles, California on February 3, 2024. The incident involved an officer from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ's findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. The City of Los Angeles recently settled a civil rights lawsuit related to this incident, and it is important to note that DOJ's review under AB 1506 is limited to whether the officers' conduct was a crime that could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and whether there are recommendations to modify the policies and practices of a law enforcement agency.

"The California Department of Justice is committed to working in partnership with all law enforcement agencies to ensure that we uphold a legal system that is not only fair and transparent but also accountable to the residents of California," said Attorney General Bonta. "We acknowledge that this incident has caused grief for those impacted, including Mr. Maccani's family, the law enforcement agencies involved, and the Los Angeles community. We believe that it is our duty to foster trust within our justice system, and we will strive to ensure that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected."

On February 3, 2024, LAPD officers responded to a to a 911 call reporting an aggressive man who was armed with a deadly weapon, later identified as Jason Maccani, who had entered a downtown commercial studio. Although the caller initially reported Maccani was attacking someone with a stick, they later clarified he was unarmed but guarding the door. Upon arrival, officers confirmed Maccani had not struck anyone and that the only objects inside were scissors and shoes. After coordinating a plan and ascending to the fourth floor, officers ordered Maccani out of the unit, and though he initially complied by walking backward with his hands up, he eventually turned around and advanced toward them. Despite officers firing multiple less-lethal beanbag and 40 mm rounds that struck his chest and forearm, Maccani continued charging toward officers with his arms crossed while holding a white object in his fist. He then grabbed an officer and her beanbag shotgun, shoved her against a wall, and held a sharp white object to her neck. At that moment, he was fatally shot.

Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer involved acted without the intent to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officer. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.

As part of all 1506 investigations, DOJ examines each case meticulously to propose policy recommendations that it believes will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. After thorough investigation, DOJ has no policy recommendations in this case.

Here is a copy of the report.