In a significant development, former Los Angeles Police Department officer Clifford Proctor has been arrested in connection with the 2015 shooting of an unarmed homeless man. LAPD officials confirmed on Friday that Proctor was taken into custody at Los Angeles International Airport on a felony murder warrant.
The LAPD made the announcement via social media, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the justice system and collaborating with law enforcement partners as the case unfolds. “We will continue to support the justice system as this case proceeds and will work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners throughout the process,” the department stated.
This arrest follows a warrant that was issued a year ago, despite the reluctance of the previous Los Angeles County District Attorney to pursue the case, which had garnered significant public attention.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Proctor is accused of shooting 29-year-old Brendon Glenn twice in the back. The incident occurred in May 2015 when Proctor and his partner responded to reports of a disturbance at the Bank of Venice restaurant on Winward Avenue, from which Glenn and his dog had been removed.
Following the disturbance, officers ordered Glenn to leave the vicinity and proceeded to follow him, according to the Times. This tragic event has been under scrutiny and has now reached a pivotal point with Proctor’s arrest.
Proctor and his law enforcement partner responded to reports of a disturbance after Glenn and his dog were removed from the Bank of Venice restaurant on Winward Avenue. When the officers ordered the 29-year-old to leave the area, they followed him, The Times reported.
A short time later, when Glenn got into an altercation with a bouncer outside a nearby bar, the officers attempted to arrest him and during a struggle with the 29-year-old, Proctor shot him twice in the back.
Glenn, who was unhoused at the time, died from the gunshot wounds.
Former L.A. County DA Jackie Lacey declined to file charges against Proctor despite then LAPD Chief Charlie Beck calling for the officer to face manslaughter charges.
It’s unclear exactly what charges Proctor is facing, but two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Times on condition of anonymity said they are in connection with the fatal shooting of the 29-year-old.
In an email to KTLA, V. James DeSimone, the lawyer for Glenn’s family, reported that the 29-year-old’s mother, Sheri Camprone, is hopeful for justice and in response to the news of a warrant being issued for Proctor’s arrest, she said, “It’s about time.”
Josh DuBose and Nidia Becerra contributed to this report.
