A man armed with three knives was fatally shot by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies after he stabbed one officer in a Lancaster parking lot, newly released bodycam footage confirms. The June 20 confrontation, now under state investigation, shows Robert Castro rushing a deputy moments after officers arrived.

Armed Man Attacks Deputy Upon Arrival

Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a man swinging knives in public. Surveillance footage shows three patrol vehicles arriving at the scene where Castro was located. According to the Sheriff’s Department, Castro initially walked away from approaching officers but suddenly reversed course. Before the first deputy’s vehicle stopped moving, Castro turned and sprinted directly toward the officer, drew a blade, and stabbed him.

The wounded deputy immediately discharged his service weapon as Castro attacked. A second deputy also opened fire during the initial confrontation. Bodycam footage captured Castro removing a knife from his pocket just before launching the assault. The stabbed deputy suffered a wound requiring hospital treatment but survived the attack.

Second Round Of Gunfire After Commands Ignored

Following the initial shooting, the second deputy ordered Castro not to move while checking on the injured officer. Sheriff’s Department officials stated that when Castro moved his hand despite repeated commands to stop reaching, the second deputy fired additional shots. Castro was struck and transported to a local hospital where medical staff pronounced him dead. Investigators recovered three knives from Castro at the scene, confirming the initial 911 caller’s report of multiple weapons.

State Investigation Underway

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office confirmed its Police Shooting Investigation Team launched a probe under Assembly Bill 1506 mandates, which require state review of certain officer-involved shootings. The Department of Justice investigation will eventually transfer to the Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. The release of bodycam footage represents standard procedure in deputy-involved shootings as authorities face increasing demands for transparency. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding police use of force, even in situations involving armed suspects who attack officers first.