Police Incidents

On September 27, 2022, an amber alert out of Fontana was issued for 15-year-old Savannah Graziano. The amber alert was issued out of concern she was taken by her father, 45-year-old Anthony Graziano. Before the amber alert was issued. Graziano killed his Wife outside of a School in Fontana. Graziano also shot at a father and child near the school. The following morning, a 911 caller reported seeing Graziano’s pickup truck and Savannah purchasing items at a gas station. Police soon located Graziano speeding on a nearby freeway, prompting the start of a chaotic chase. When deputies caught up with the vehicle, shots were fired from inside toward police. During the pursuit Graziano attempted to drive up an embankment onto main street, but he lost traction, and the vehicle moved back down the embankment in the direction of I-15. When the pickup truck came to a stop, unarmed Savannah exited from the passenger side as she was wearing tactical gear and a helmet. The video shows she crouches on the ground for about ten seconds, and then walks toward the nearby deputy who was calling her to his position, followed by a boom that appears to be at least one deputy shooting her, though the department blurred out Savannah at this moment. The deputies were not wearing body cameras, but the department shared audio from the belt of the deputy standing closest to the girl. On the video you can hear a deputy calling her over and telling other deputies that the person who exited the truck was the passenger and for them to stop firing, but it was too late. Deputies immediately began medical aid on Savannah and she was transported to the Hospital where she died of her injuries. Anthony Graziano was pronounced dead at the scene. Multiple firearms were located at the scene including hundreds of rounds of ammunition, flash bang and smoke grenades, as well as body-armor and tactical helmets. Four Sheriff's Department vehicles were struck by gunfire in this incident.

On Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 6:02 p.m., deputies from the Norco Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of Hamner Avenue and 6th Street, Norco, regarding a subject armed with a knife. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the subject and gave commands to drop the knife. The suspect failed to follow commands and advanced towards the deputies with the knife, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. The suspect was struck by gunfire, and deputies rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene. No deputies were injured during this incident. The identity of the suspect is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Albuquerque officers reacted quickly and took a suspect into custody after shooting on March 31, 2024 An 18-year-old man is accused of shooting into a Downtown Albuquerque crowd early Sunday morning, injuring two people.

On February 23, 2024, at 6:32 a.m., Palmdale Station deputies responded to a gas station in the 13000 block of Pearblossom Highway, Unincorporated Pearblossom, regarding a call of an assault with a deadly weapon. The caller stated a male was armed with a sharp object, threatening to stab the victim if she didn’t call the police. The male was later identified as 30-year-old Joseph Westley Henson from the Pearblossom area. Deputies located Henson walking eastbound away from the business with a sharp object in his hand. They gave Henson multiple commands to show his hands and drop the weapon, but he refused to comply. The deputies followed Henson in their vehicle as he walked eastbound toward another business. Deputies continued to speak to Henson giving additional verbal commands to gain his compliance. Henson stated repeatedly, “You’re going to have to shoot me.” At one point during the encounter, Henson advanced toward the deputies while concealing his right hand inside the front left chest area of his jacket, simulating a weapon, at which time a deputy-involved shooting occurred. After the deputy-involved shooting, Henson ran away from the deputies. The deputies engaged in a short foot pursuit of Henson to the front entrance of the business, where he fell to the ground. Henson sustained several gunshot wounds. Deputies rendered first aid until the arrival of Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. Henson was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On March 24, 2024, shortly after 2200 hours, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded to hotel located at 4855 S. Palo Verde Rd. For a report of a suspicious person. The 911 caller, an employee of the hotel, reported that an adult male was yelling outside of the hotel room and waving a sword. Deputies arrived at the scene and found the male standing outside a hotel room, holding a sword. As they approached in their vehicles, the male sheathed the sword but continued to hold it when deputies approached on foot. Deputies established communication with the male, who made incoherent statements as deputies began to ask him questions. During this time, the suddenly removed the sword from the sheath and took an aggressive stance. Deputies quickly stepped back and gave commands for him to drop the sword. The male did not comply and began charging at deputies with the sword raised, prompting one deputy to discharge his department issued handgun, striking the male. Deputies immediately began rendering aid by until Fire Department personnel arrived to continue life saving efforts. Despite these efforts, the male was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On March 6, 2024, at 3:01 AM, Fullerton Police Officers responded to the McDonalds, located at 1341 S. Brookhurst Rd. regarding two males that were standing at the entrance, possibly under the influence of drugs. The reporting party, who was the manager of the business, was concerned for the employees' safety as they began to arrive for work. Officers arrived on scene and contacted one male adult, with no shirt who was uncooperative with officers’ commands. The male began swinging a belt at officers as they attempted to contact him. Additional officers were requested and once they arrived, they utilized a taser to attempt to subdue the suspect, which was ineffective. The suspect continued to act erratically and was uncooperative as he refused to comply with officers’ commands. Officers then utilized a less lethal kinetic energy projectile, commonly referred to as a bean bag round, and struck the suspect, allowing officers to take him into custody. At this time in the investigation, it is believed the suspect sustained a significant injury to the chest area as a result of the use of the less lethal kinetic energy projectile. Officers began life-saving measures while paramedics responded. The suspect was transported to a local trauma center where he was later pronounced deceased.

The detainee choked one guard until he was unconscious and knocked another out with one punch, leaving him hospitalized with serious injuries, and knocked a third to the ground.

Body camera footage shows two officers question bystanders about how the woman came to be in the water. One officer then quickly removed his duty belt and equipment. Three officers climbed over the fence and jumped down onto the rocks below. They used the woman’s clothing to hoist her from the water and lift her up to where other people were waiting to pull her over the barrier. Once the woman had been lifted onto the sidewalk, FDNY personnel administered CPR and provided medical aid. The woman survived.

On Friday, September 8, 2023, at 1:39 p.m., San Pablo Police received a 9-1-1 call from a female reporting party in a residence in the 2600 block of Dover Avenue. The reporting party requested officers assist with a mental health evaluation for her husband, who was later identified as 44-year-old Andre Smith. The reporting party said Smith was showing signs of schizophrenia. The reporting party was concerned about how Smith would react to the police response. Upon arrival, Smith had locked him inside a room of the residence. Officers made attempts to communicate with Smith, but he refused. Officers learned Smith did not live at the residence with the family. The reporting party said Smith was not acting violent at that time and agreed to call the police if he exited and needed further assistance. At 2:52 p.m., the reporting party called 9-1-1 asking for the police to return, as Smith had exited the room and was harassing her. The reporting party said Smith was outside of the house, and she did not want him to return. As the Dispatcher was on the phone, Smith was overheard in the background yelling comments that he would kill police officers and make them kill him. Officers learned family members and children were still inside the residence. Officers arrived on the scene and began communicating with the Smith in the front yard. Smith refused to listen to the officer’s orders and, at one point, concealed himself along the side yard of the residence. At one point, Smith began throwing brick pieces at the officers. The officers deployed less lethal measures with Tasers and bean bag rounds. These proved ineffective as Smith grabbed a folding chair as a shield and raised a three-foot metal pole while charging at one of the officers in the front yard. Smith swung the pole at the officer, who ducked to avoid being hit. Another officer fired one round from his service weapon, striking the man in the upper right leg. Smith was subsequently detained, and officers immediately began providing medical aid. Smith was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. He survived his injuries, and has since been released from the hospital. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office subsequently charged Smith with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon upon a peace officer, with special weapons enhancements. This case is pending trial.

On Thursday, March 21st , at approximately 7:39 a.m. via a text to 911 from a man reporting that he killed someone inside his hotel room. Additional information was received from the suspect regarding his wife being sexually assaulted and that he would kill anyone who approached his room. Therefore, based on the information regarding a possible victim inside the room with the suspect, Fort Lauderdale officers responded to his room and attempted to contact him. At that time, the suspect opened the door, brandished a firearm, and pointed it towards our officers who exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Immediately following the shooting, the suspect retreated into the hotel room and the door became closed. A SWAT call out was initiated so that officers could make entry into the room. Once entry was made, the suspect was discovered dead. No one else was inside the room at the time of the shooting. The cause of death will be determined as a part of the active FDLE investigation. Officer Jack DiCristofalo is believed to have been struck by gunfire multiple times. He was immediately transported by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue (FLFR) to Broward Health Medical Center. His injuries were determined to be serious but non-life-threatening. Officer Pascal France also suffered minor injuries as a result of this incident, but he was not shot. He was treated on scene by FLFR. The suspect is identified as Karl Chludinsky, W/M, DOB 7/18/77, a resident of the City of Margate.

On Monday, March 25, a concerned citizen contacted the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to report a shoplifter at a Palm Coast business. During the investigation, deputies determined the thief in question was also trafficking methamphetamine and other narcotics. Deputy Stanford responded to the Walmart in Palm Coast at approximately 6:26 p.m. to investigate a suspected larceny. The reporting party stated that a white female had passed all points of sale and refused to show her receipt for a cart full of items. The reporting party also provided a vehicle description to deputies and stated that they watched her move the stolen items from her cart to the vehicle, then flee on foot once she noticed someone watching her. The store’s loss prevention officer provided a more thorough description of the suspect, and later valued the stolen items at just over $1,030. Deputies located the vehicle matching the description in the parking lot, and observed stolen items on the back seat. Deputies then observed a female fitting the suspect’s description walking towards the store. Deputy Stanford made contact with the woman, identified as Amber McCann, 30, of Sanford, Florida, who admitted that she carried a loaded cart full of stolen items to a car. She claimed that it was a random car she found and placed the stolen items and her purse inside when she saw law enforcement arriving. According to McCann, she was playing a game called “21” where someone grabs as much merchandise from a store and walks out without paying for them while trying not to get caught. After being secured, she changed her story and said the vehicle had not been random, but in fact was a rental car that belonged to her boyfriend. While removing the stolen merchandise, deputies detected a clear and distinct odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. During a probable cause search, they located a partially burnt marijuana cigarette in the center console. Additional baggies containing marijuana, along with a digital scale, hashish, a glass pipe with burnt residue, and empty baggies were found in the trunk of the vehicle. They also located a locked bag which contained two plastic baggies containing a clear, crystal-like substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine, and another baggie containing two yellow tablets identified as alprazolam, which is a Schedule IV Controlled Substance. Inside a locked safe, deputies located various 1-ounce silver bars and rounds, copper bars, and a 1-gram platinum bar. In total, deputies recovered four bags containing methamphetamine, which weighed a combined 62 grams. McCann was arrested for Shoplifting - Grand Theft ($750-$5000), Possession of Marijuana (20g or Less), Possession of Hashish, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Alprazolam, and Trafficking of Methamphetamine (28g-200g). She was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and is currently being held on $34,000 bond.

On January 3, 2024, at approximately 2:53 p.m., Troopers Steven J. Missale and Ronald Raymond observed a 2009 Mercedes E350 traveling southbound on I-87 in the area of mile marker 30.7, between exit 15 (NJ/I-287) and exit 15A (Sloatsburg). The vehicle matched the description of a suspect vehicle identified in an attempted homicide out of the city of Albany earlier in the day. A traffic stop was conducted on the Mercedes. The driver, later identified as Rakim A. Tillery, 35, of Albany, NY, immediately fired on the troopers who both returned fire, striking Tillery. Tillery was pronounced deceased on the scene. Troopers Missale and Raymond, both assigned to Troop T, SP Newburgh, were transported to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

Scottsdale, Arizona (March 22, 2024) A suspect who shot at police during a traffic stop is dead after an officer-involved shooting on March 21 around 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of Scottsdale and Cactus Roads. Officers located a stolen vehicle in Scottsdale, and a traffic stop was initiated at 5:23 p.m. The suspect quickly exited the vehicle and began to shoot at officers. In response, both officers fired their duty weapons, striking the suspect, who did not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:51 p.m. The suspect has been identified as 52-year-old Laquanza Young. A handgun was recovered in Laquanza’s possession. Thankfully, no other community members were injured, and the officers involved were not hurt. This incident started at 5:20 p.m. when an officer received a “Flock” alert about a stolen vehicle around 74th Street and E. Shea Blvd. The officer located the vehicle in the area and was able to confirm the license plate, which dispatch confirmed was reported as stolen. Two officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, and the vehicle immediately stopped just south of the intersection. That was when the officer-involved shooting occurred.

On March 18, 2024, at approximately 1550 hours, Decatur Police officers stopped three subjects at 600 W. Grand, one matching the description of an armed robbery suspect from an incident that happened prior to the stop. Rocky Dupin, 38, was seen on surveillance camera footage robbing the Decatur Discount store for a glass pipe worth approximately $5. Police were able to identify Dupin later that afternoon because he was wearing the same clothing. During the course of the encounter, Dupin disobeyed commands and pulled a BB gun from his coat, at which time two DPD officers fired their weapons, striking the suspect. Dupin was taken to Decatur Memorial Hospital where he died of his injuries. Dupin was armed with a BB gun that was a precise replica of a .357 snub-nosed revolver, exact down to brass bullet casings that hold a charge of CO2. After the shooting, the other subjects that were with Dupin fled the scene. Neither officer involved was injured.

On Sept. 25, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers with the Tallahassee Police Department responded to what was originally reported as a residential burglary in the 2300 block of Sandpiper Street involving multiple armed suspects. Through the ongoing investigation, it was determined responding officers interrupted a targeted, drug-related home invasion in progress. A suspect, matching the description of the initial 911 call, was observed by officers fleeing the scene. The officers gave chase and verbal commands for the suspect to stop, but the suspect did not comply. During the foot pursuit, another involved suspect emerged from the residence and began firing at the officers. The rounds struck one of the responding officers, and they immediately returned fire. The injured officer was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and taken into surgery. Due to the nature of the incident, TPD's Tactical Apprehension and Control Team (TAC) responded to the scene. TAC and other responding units worked quickly to ensure the safety of the residents in the area. All three suspects have been arrested.

On November 16, 2023, at approximately 2134 hours, the Fort Collins Communications Center began receiving 9-1-1 calls from citizens reporting a dark-haired male acting aggressively and causing a disturbance outside a business downtown. It was reported the suspect was armed with a hatchet and bear spray. When the Fort Collins Police officer arrived on scene, he located the suspect, 28-year-old William Hayes in the alleyway holding pepper spray and a hatchet. The officer gave Hayes multiple commands to drop his weapons, and the suspect did not comply. Hayes began coming toward the officer and the officer used his taser, but Hayes was able to continue advancing. The officer then fired his duty weapon several times striking Hayes. Additional Fort Collins Police officers arrived on scene and began to render medical aid to Hayes. Hayes was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. No community members or officers were injured during this incident.

On March 05, 2024, approximately 0108 hours, a patrol supervisor approached a vehicle parked at a carwash. The officer made contact with a male subject identified as Micheal A. Estrada who was seated in the driver seat of the vehicle. Estrada became uncooperative with the officer and stated he had a gun on his person. The officer continued to tell Estrada to show his hands to which the suspect did not comply. He continued making threats toward the officer. Estrada subsequently shot at the officer. The officer returned fire striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On March 2, 2024, at approximately 0940 hours, Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the 9800 block of Fleming Springs Drive in East Harris County regarding an auto theft investigation. Deputies met with a complainant, who directed them to a residence where he had tracked his stolen vehicle. Deputies knocked on the door of the home attempting to contact the residence when they heard a suspect flee on foot. Two deputies located a Hispanic male matching the suspect's description walking in the 1700 block of sun Point Court, and talking on a cell phone. As they approached the suspect later identified as 18-year-old Nathanael Piñon, deputies saw an extended magazine protruding from the front of Piñon's waistband. Both deputies verbally commanded Piñon to stop using his cell phone. Piñon faced the deputies and reached for the firearm in his front waistband. The deputies verbally commanded the suspect to stop breaching for his weapon and, Piñon did not comply with their commands. Both deputies discharged their duty weapons, striking Piñon multiple times. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS. Deputies recovered a 9mm caliber firearm that contained an extended magazine from Piñon's waistband.

On February 29, 2024, at approximately 1708 hours, officers responded to two separate robbery calls within a few minutes of each other. The first one was at an insurance business located in the 6800 block of Harrisburg followed by another one in the 6400 block of Brady Street. The description of the suspect was the same in both cases and police were looking for a man riding a scooter. The officers in this area had been looking for this individual because apparently there have been three or four other robberies in this area with the same suspect description. An officer later spotted the suspect and gave verbal commands to him. The suspect then attempted to flee the officer, who began to chase him. The officer continued to give verbal commands as he was chasing the suspect. The suspect pulled out a gun and started shooting at the officer. The officer returned fire and struck the suspect. The suspect died at the scene. The officer is a 30-year veteran. He will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

On Wednesday, December 23, 2022, Whiting was placed into a cell in the psychiatric observation unit. Between 1514 - 1520 hours, Jail surveillance footage captured Whiting as he began to force-feed himself in the cell. Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies and jail medical staff were alerted to the cell and found Whiting in distress. Life saving measures were initiated, and Whiting was transported to a local hospital. Whiting was pronounced deceased a short time later.

On March 08, 2024 at approximately 1400 hours, the suspect, Willis Adams, 36, was involved in a trespassing incident. Officers told Adams to leave and that he would be arrested if he came back. However, he returned to the hotel about two hours later and was spotted by one of the officers who was still on scene. The officer tried multiple times, through verbal commands and using his taser to bring the situation under control, but a fight ensued. The officer drew his firearm and a struggle ensued over that firearm. During that struggle, the firearm discharged, striking the officer in the hand. The officer immediately lost control of the weapon at that point. Adams, armed with the officer's handgun, retreated, but was intercepted by another arriving officer. The suspect was eventually taken into custody with assistance of officers from the Gadsden County Sheriff's Department and the Leon County Sheriff's Office, who saw this altercation happening and stopped. Adams was arrested on a charge of attempted homicide of a police officer. The officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

On February 20, 2024, at around 8:40 p.m., Central Division patrol officers responded to a radio call for an “Assault with a Deadly Weapon” suspect at an apartment in the 400 block of East 5th Street. The comments of the call indicated that the suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Anthony Franks, threatened his neighbor with a gun. Once officers arrived at the location, the Person Reporting (PR) informed the officers that Franks pointed a gun at her. During this brief interaction, Franks emerged from the doorway of his apartment with what appeared to be a pistol (later determined to be a Projectile Launcher). Franks pointed and fired the weapon at the officers and the PR, which resulted in an Officer-Involved Shooting. Franks was not struck by gunfire and immediately retreated back into his apartment. Officers broadcast a “shots fired, officer needs help” call and additional officers responded to the scene. After a brief standoff, telephone contact was made with Franks and he was taken into custody without further incident.

On Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 3:48 a.m., deputies assigned to the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to the 3300 block of Avalon Street in Jurupa Valley, reference a domestic dispute. It was reported a male adult was using a knife to threaten a female while multiple family members were present in the residence. Deputies arrived on the scene and were able to safely evacuate everyone from the residence, but the suspect refused to exit. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) and the Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. After extensive negotiations, SEB entered the residence, where the suspect exited a room armed with a knife. Despite multiple commands given to surrender, the suspect failed to comply, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. The suspect was struck by gunfire, and deputies rendered medical aid; however, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. No deputies were injured during this incident. This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional details are available at this time.