LASD releases bodycam footage of recent shooting involving a deputy sheriff in West Hollywood

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department released a “Critical Incident Briefing” that included very graphic bodycam footage of the recent West Hollywood Shooting involving a deputy sheriff Incident on July 20, 2024. Video released Tuesday shows the timing that led to the deputy shooting Dodd-Thompson while brandishing a knife.

According to body camera footage, the deputy described as Deputy 1 responded to a report of an attempted robbery in the 7600 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. He can be seen at the 7-Eleven store at 7950 Santa Monica Blvd., where he confirmed that Dodd-Thompson had attempted to rob the store.

Deputy 1 made contact with Dodd-Thompson at the corner of Lexington Avenue and Gardner Street.

Deputy 1 exited his patrol car and Dodd-Thompson began to run while holding a knife in his right hand. Deputy 1 gave the command “drop that” followed by “drop the knife.” During the short foot pursuit, Deputy 1 continued to give commands to drop the knife. Dodd-Thompson suddenly stopped and turned toward Deputy 1 while still holding the knife. It was at this point that the shooting involving the deputy occurred.

After Deputy 1 fired his service weapon, Deputy 2 kicked the knife away from Dodd-Thompson so they could arrest him and begin medical treatment. The timestamp of the actual shooting is 3:38:27 p.m.

Officers provided medical assistance until Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel arrived.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Information Office later stated that Dodd-Thompson was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. No civilians or deputies were injured in the incident. The knife was found at the scene.

The video states that while the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigates, investigators and attorneys from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will conduct their own independent investigation. Once the investigation is complete, the facts will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office Justice System Integrity Unit for review and a determination will be made as to whether the use of force was lawful.

WARNING! Graphic footage. Viewer discretion is advised.