Bodycam video shows LAPD shooting involving hatchet-wielding man Francisco Javier Alba.
The Los Angeles Police Department released new body camera footage of a police shooting of Francisco Javier Alba in North Hollywood.
Los Angeles Police Department Press Release Re: Francisco Javier Alba Shooting
*The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed*
Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting that occurred in North Hollywood Division.
On November 30, 2023, around 2:30 p.m., North Hollywood patrol officers responded to a radio call for an “Assault with a Deadly Weapon, suspect there now,” at a business located at the 7500 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard.
The suspect, later identified as 52-year-old Francisco Javier Alba, assaulted an employee inside the location, then exited and walked across the street to the west sidewalk. Officers arrived at the location and spoke with the victim, who provided details of the incident, which described that a misdemeanor battery and vandalism had occurred. The victim described Alba as the suspect but declined to make a private person’s arrest.
The officers exited the business and returned to their police vehicle where they began to complete the associated crime reports, when Alba returned. Alba approached the officers while holding a drywall hammer with combined hatchet blade in his hand and appeared to be wearing numerous layers of clothing. Alba began arguing with the officers when they ordered him not to return to the business. Alba eventually walked across the street to the west sidewalk while becoming increasingly agitated. Officers requested an additional unit for a “415 man” and for approximately 30-35 minutes continued to order Alba to leave the area and drop the bladed hammer. Alba then began crossing the street toward the officers with the hammer in his hand. Officers gave Alba numerous orders to stop, get out of the street and drop the hammer. Alba refused to comply with commands resulting in officers utilizing numerous less lethal munitions including a TASER, 40mm less-lethal-launchers and beanbag shotguns, which were ineffective. Alba continued to advance on one officer, while still armed with the hammer in his hand stating, “Shoot it, shoot it,” at which point an Officer-Involved Shooting occurred.
Alba was struck by gunfire, fell to the ground and was taken into custody without further incident. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and transported Alba by rescue ambulance to Holy Cross Medical Center where he was admitted for gunshot wounds and listed in stable condition.
A drywall hammer with combined hatchet blade was recovered from the scene and booked as evidence.
No officers or other community members were injured as a result of this incident.
The LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene, interviewed witnesses, and supervised the collection of evidence by the Forensic Science Division personnel. The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures.