LAPD uses a beanbag shotgun to take down and arrest a robbery suspect armed with a knife

On May 18, 2024, at around 9:00 p.m., a person reported that the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Shalon Smith, while armed with a knife, was inside a pharmacy on the 1700 block of West 6th Street, arguing with customers. Rampart Division uniformed officers responded to the radio call and encountered Smith, who was still armed with the knife.

Officers issued numerous verbal commands to Smith to drop the knife, but he did not comply. After a short standoff, Smith raised the knife and appeared to take a step toward officers, which resulted in the discharge of a Beanbag Shotgun round. The projectile struck Smith in the abdominal area, causing him to immediately fall to the floor. Smith disarmed himself and a team of officers took him into custody without further incident.

Smith was placed under arrest for attempted robbery. A rescue ambulance responded to the scene and transported Smith to a local hospital for injuries sustained during the deployment of the Bean Bag Shotgun. Hospital staff determined that Smith would require hospitalization. After prolonged observation, Smith was later treated and released for booking (Booking No. 6816090).

No officers or other community members were reported injured during this incident.

A black folding knife, with 3-inch blade, was recovered at the scene and booked as evidence.