A sheriff’s deputy was stabbed in a sudden knife attack that unfolded in a matter of seconds, forcing Los Angeles County deputies to open fire on a suspect who authorities say came at them armed with multiple blades.
The violent June 20 showdown in a Lancaster parking lot began with a disturbing 911 call about a man reportedly roaming in public with knives.
“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.
Deputies arrived with three patrol vehicles and initially saw Robert Castro walking away across the parking lot, authorities said.
Then, investigators said, the situation turned deadly.
Castro allegedly changed direction, rushed toward Deputy #1 and launched a knife attack before the deputy’s patrol vehicle had even come to a stop.
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“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.”
Body camera footage released by authorities shows Castro pulling a knife from his pocket before the stabbing, according to investigators.
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.
