This footage, provided by LAPD SWAT, is a combination of security and bodycam feed which shows an armed robbery suspect attempting to evade by jumping from a third storey balcony. He drops his weapon on impact, and gets shot as he reaches for it. Viewer discretion is advised.

Here, we see LAPD serving an arrest warrant for Zeff Rocco, 39 years of age. He had been suspected of several armed robberies. LAPD is shown trying to get his attention and request his surrender in several ways, including via megaphone, cell phone, and even by shooting 40mm LTL rounds through his window. Given the number of people who live in that apartment complex, I’d have to be absolutely sure I had the right window before going that route.

In any case, Rocco ignores all attempts to get him to surrender peacefully, instead opting to leap from 3 storeys up, as shown by the security camera footage at 01:51. The impact, naturally, jars Rocco, causing him to drop the rifle he was carrying. Despite being warned, Rocco reaches for the weapon, at which point the SWAT officer shoots him. The officer spaces his shots, warning him repeatedly to drop it, but as Rocco refuses, the officer continues to fire.

At 02:16, the events are shown from the perspective of the SWAT officer. Despite aid rendered and rapid transport to an area hospital, Rocco was pronounced deceased. His 5.56 rifle was found loaded with a magazine of 39 rounds, with an additional magazine attached to the weapon.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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