A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was stabbed during a fast-moving knife attack in Lancaster, prompting deputies to shoot a suspect who authorities said advanced on them while armed with multiple blades.
The June 20 confrontation erupted in a parking lot after a troubling 911 call reported a man allegedly walking through the area with knives in public.
“Hey, I just want to make a report of a guy with some knives, swinging them in public,” the caller told a dispatcher, according to audio released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
When deputies responded in three patrol vehicles, they initially spotted Robert Castro moving away across the parking lot, officials said.
Within moments, investigators said, the encounter escalated into a deadly use-of-force incident.
Castro allegedly reversed course, moved quickly toward Deputy #1 and attacked with a knife before the deputy’s patrol vehicle had fully stopped.
“Before Deputy #1’s patrol vehicle came to a stop, Castro turned and rapidly walked in the deputy’s direction,” the Sheriff’s Department said. “Castro then ran at Deputy #1, drew a knife, stabbed the deputy, and Deputy #1 discharged his service weapon.”
Authorities said body-worn camera video shows Castro taking a knife from his pocket shortly before the deputy was stabbed.
The wounded deputy fought back during the attack, firing his service weapon as a second deputy also opened fire.
After the gunfire, the second deputy moved to check on his injured partner, who was bleeding from the stab wound.
Authorities said Castro was still reaching toward a weapon while on the ground.
The second deputy issued commands ordering him to stop.
“When Castro moves his hand, Deputy #2 commands him to ‘Stop reaching,’” the department said. The deputy then opened fire.
Castro was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The injured deputy was also transported to a hospital and treated for his stab wound.
Investigators said Castro was carrying three knives during the confrontation.
