A 43-year-old man armed with multiple bladed weapons died after lunging at Oakland police officers who had repeatedly ordered him to disarm, according to newly released body camera footage that captured the entire confrontation on a city street in July.
Standoff Unfolds on Oakland Street
Jose Angel Castillo carried two knives and a hammer as officers trailed him down an Oakland street on July 13, just after 2 p.m. Police body camera footage shows officers issuing dozens of commands for Castillo to drop his weapons during the prolonged encounter. The incident began when California Highway Patrol called Oakland Police Department requesting backup for an armed individual behaving aggressively. Officers can be heard on the video identifying multiple weapons and warning Castillo that he was being detained.
🚨‼️ Oakland, CA🚔
⚠️Multiple 911 calls…reporting that Jose Angel Castillo was armed & aggressive – at a homeless encampment⚠️
•Jose had 2 homemade weapons…long metal poles 🪵 w/ knives attached at the end🔪
•Jose fled on foot from officers.
•Taser deployments =…— African champion 🏆 (@membunnamdi1) August 14, 2026
Throughout the standoff, officers announced they had a Taser ready while continuing to order Castillo to comply. The 43-year-old repeatedly asked officers what he had done and demanded they leave him alone. When officers commanded him to stop and drop the knives, Castillo responded by shouting no. The confrontation escalated when Castillo refused final commands to disarm and then lunged at officers with a weapon, authorities said.
Officers Use Lethal Force
Police responded with both less-lethal and lethal force when Castillo attacked, according to the Oakland Police Department. Multiple shots rang out, and an officer immediately radioed that shots had been fired. Officers ordered Castillo not to move and attempted life-saving measures at the scene. Despite their efforts, Castillo died from gunshot wounds. No officers or bystanders suffered physical injuries during the incident. The department confirmed that multiple bladed weapons were recovered from the scene.
Multiple Investigations Launched
The involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave following standard department protocol. Oakland Police Department opened both criminal and administrative investigations into the use of force. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office launched a separate independent investigation, while Oakland’s Community Police Review Agency was also notified. Civil rights attorney Jim Chanin, who monitors the Oakland Police Department, raised questions about whether the threat level justified deadly force. The department pledged transparency and promised updates as investigations proceed while protecting the integrity of the ongoing inquiries into the July shooting.