Suspect armed with 2 knives shot, wounded during deputy shooting

On August 3, 2024, at 9:46 a.m., Lakewood Station deputies responded to the intersection of South Street and Woodruff Avenue, Lakewood, regarding a person with a knife call. Prior to their arrival, the call was updated to an assault with a deadly weapon. The caller reported that a male Hispanic had just swung a knife towards him. The male was later identified as 29-year-old Joshua Castaneda from the city of Tujunga. Upon their arrival, deputies located Castaneda, who was armed with a knife in each hand. Castaneda was given numerous verbal commands to drop the knives and surrender, but he did not comply. Castaneda’s hands were elevated in a striking position, and he demanded deputies shoot and kill him. Deputies deployed a TASER at Castaneda, which was ineffective. Deputies continued to give commands to drop the knives, but Castaneda again demanded deputies shoot and kill him. Castaneda advanced toward one of the deputies, causing the deputy to walk backward away from him. Deputies continuously ordered Castaneda to drop the knives, but he refused to comply and continued to advance toward the deputies, at which time a deputy-involved shooting occurred. Castaneda was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground. Deputies ordered him to relinquish possession of the knives, and he complied. Deputies approached and rendered first aid to Castaneda, pending the arrival of Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel.

Castaneda sustained several gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Castaneda was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for non-lifethreatening injuries. No deputies or other persons were injured during this incident. A large kitchen knife with an approximate 10-inch blade and a switchblade knife, in the open position with an approximate four-inch blade were recovered at the scene.