A violent confrontation unfolded in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday morning when a man armed with a large machete led police on a short car chase before being shot by LAPD officers after charging at them with the weapon.
According to ABC7, Los Angeles police officers were dispatched to Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard, just blocks from Crypto.com Arena, after reports of a man brandishing a machete and threatening bystanders.
Witnesses described the man chanting incoherently and swinging the weapon in a threatening manner, prompting multiple 911 calls. Officers quickly responded and attempted to engage the suspect without force.
Suspect Rams Police Car
Initially, the man ignored verbal commands and got into a black Dodge Challenger, initiating a brief pursuit through the downtown streets. Dashcam and bystander footage shows the man circling LAPD units before intentionally slamming into a police cruiser.
He then exited the vehicle, machete still in hand, and charged directly at the officers.
LAPD Opens Fire in Self-Defense
At that moment, officers opened fire, striking the suspect and bringing him to the ground. Det. Meghan Aguilar, speaking to KABC, confirmed the suspect was shot in self-defense after he continued to pose an imminent threat.
“He was still armed with the machete and charged toward officers again, this time resulting in an officer-involved shooting,” Aguilar said.
“That suspect was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital, where he is in critical condition but receiving medical care.”
Footage from the scene shows officers backing away before opening fire when the suspect gets too close.
A driver waving a machete near Crypto .com Arena was shot and injured by a Los Angeles police officer on Sunday morning. The incident was caught on video by witnesses watching from a nearby high-rise.
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— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 14, 2025
LAPD Defends Officers’ Actions
Detective Aguilar defended the officers’ decision to use deadly force, citing the size of the weapon and the suspect’s aggressive behavior.
“You can only give so many warnings,” she said. “Each officer has to make a decision based on their training and experience when they determine the use of deadly force is justified.”
“Again, this was a very large machete. The behaviors of the individual were very aggressive and violent.”
No officers were injured during the incident. The suspect remains hospitalized in critical condition as the investigation continues.
What’s Next?
As with all officer-involved shootings, LAPD’s Force Investigation Division has launched a full review of the incident. Meanwhile, police are working to identify the suspect and determine his motives.
