LAPD release use of force bodycam incident where the suspect assaulted hospital staff, bit an officer

0:00 - Intro
0:16 - 911 call
5:04 - Body cam 1
7:32 - Body cam 2
11:11 - Body cam 3
12:59 - Surveillance video
14:13 - Ending
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On August 14, 2023, at around 11:15 p.m., Central Division uniformed officers received a radio call of a “Man with a Knife,” in the area of South Hope Street and West Pico Boulevard. As officers arrived at the location, a community member directed them to the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old James Anthony Brown, who was walking through an open parking lot. Officers began to give verbal commands to Brown, who, after several minutes, complied with the officers’ orders.

As officers approached Brown and prepared to take him into custody, he suddenly began to resist and a Non-Categorical Use of Force (NCUOF) occurred. Brown was ultimately taken into custody without further incident and transported to Central Area Police Station for processing.

While at the station, officers observed a laceration on Brown’s head and requested the Los Angele Fire Department (LAFD) for a medical evaluation of Brown. LAFD personnel responded to the station and transported Brown by ambulance to a nearby hospital. While at the hospital, a second NCUOF occurred, as Brown assaulted hospital nursing staff and security personnel. No injuries were reported as a result of the assault. Brown was later admitted into the hospital for Rhabdomyolysis. One officer, bit by Brown during the initial NCUOF, did not require medical attention. No other officers or community members were injured during this incident.

Prior to police arrival, Brown was in possession of a piece of steel rebar which was used to damage a victim’s car door. An approximate 12-inch piece of steel rebar was recovered at the scene and booked as evidence.