This San Diego Police Department footage depicts a suspect reaching for a loaded handgun at his feet, at which point he is shot by the contacting officer. Due to the violence of this encounter, viewer discretion is advised.

This suspect, 31 year-old Benjamine LaCosta, was wanted in connection to a drive-by shooting which occurred on August 15, 2023. LaCosta’s accomplice in that shooting was killed the same morning in an officer involved shooting at a local college campus.

Having located LaCosta, San Diego Police officers set up a perimeter around his apartment. The footage begins with an officer calling for LaCosta to exit the apartment with his hands empty. At 0:44, we see LaCosta emerge from the door, holding a handgun. The officer repeatedly orders LaCosta to drop the weapon. It is largely hidden from the camera by the officer’s wrist, but it can be seen on the ground at LaCosta’s feet at 0:52. At 0:58, LaCosta dives for the handgun and is fired upon by the officer seven times. Although SDPD officers provided medical aid, LaCosta was declared dead at the scene. The handgun was found to be loaded with a round chambered.

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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