Launchers that fire soda can-size foam projectiles to subdue uncooperative individuals were successful in just more than a third of the encounters when they were deployed by the Los Angeles Police Department in 2023, according to a new report.
In eight of the 133 instances where the less-lethal projectiles were deployed last year, they failed to stop their targets and officers then shot the individuals with firearms, according to the report.
The LAPD report released this week evaluating the effectiveness of the launchers was requested by city police commissioners in response to the Feb. 3 fatal shooting of 36-year-old Jason Lee Maccani of Camarillo.
The shooting unfolded at 2:15 p.m. when LAPD officers were directed to a warehouse in the 600 block of Towne Avenue in the Skid Row area in response to a report of an erratic man armed with a large stick or pole threatening employees.
Officers found Maccani on the fourth floor of the building, where it was reported he had access to sharp items and metal objects, LAPD spokesperson Capt. Kelly Muniz said in a graphic critical incident video.
Police approached Maccani, ordered him to leave the location with his hands above his head, and then told him to walk backward toward them. At first, Maccani complied but then turned and charged toward the officers clenching a white object in his right hand.
“One of the officers observed Maccani holding what he believed to be a screwdriver and deployed a 40-millimeter less-lethal foam projectile round,” Muniz said. “Another officer fired two beanbag shotgun rounds at Maccani. However, all the less lethal munitions were ineffective.”
Maccani continued to advance toward the officers still holding what another officer believed was a knife. He then made contact with an officer, grabbing a beanbag shotgun, Muniz said.
Police opened fire, striking Maccani in the chest. Body-worn video shows officers performing…
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