A late-night 9-1-1 call in Fullerton on March 15, 2025, led to a police officer-involved shooting that prompted an official community briefing. The incident unfolded just before midnight on W. Orangethorpe Ave., where a family member reported that a 19-year-old male was armed with a knife and had threatened his parents.

When officers arrived, they encountered a man outside the residence, matching the description given by the caller. Despite multiple commands from the officers, the suspect failed to comply. In a sudden turn of events, he reportedly lifted his shirt and produced what appeared to be a handgun. This escalated the situation, leading to an officer-involved shooting.

In a commitment to transparency, the Fullerton Police Department has released a Critical Incident Community Briefing, which includes body-worn camera footage from the event, still images, and police radio communications. Authorities emphasize that this is an initial review and that interpretations of the incident may evolve as further evidence becomes available.

The police department maintains that it will refrain from concluding the officers’ actions concerning department policy and the law until a thorough, independent investigation by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is complete.

This incident is governed by California Assembly Bill 748, which mandates that police agencies release relevant video or audio related to critical incidents within 45 days. This provision recognizes the complexities and sensitivities involved in such investigations, allowing time for a thorough review.

Community members are reminded that while body-worn cameras serve as valuable investigative tools, they do not always capture all perspectives of an incident. As a result, what officers perceive may vary significantly from what is recorded on camera.

The footage and details presented in the Critical Incident Community Briefing may be graphic, and viewer discretion is strongly advised. Authorities encourage the public to approach the information with sensitivity and understanding as the investigation unfolds.

The Critical Incident Community Briefing, which is age-restricted and only available on YouTube, can be found by clicking the link: https://youtu.be/DgGZrGx_Mhk

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