This bystander-recorded footage depicts an Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department vehicle being rammed by an SUV. The Sheriff’s Deputy counters this lethal force by firing on the suspect.

At approximately 0430 on June 22, 2023, the deputy shown here encountered the suspect doing “donuts” at the intersection and generally driving recklessly. This bystander’s video records the LASD officer trying to interdict the vehicle, at which point the suspect willfully and deliberately rams the driver’s side door of the vehicle. The suspect reverses and rams the unit again at 0:13, and again at 0:21.

At this point the officer meets the willful deadly force with deadly force, opening fire. After the suspect rams him a fourth time, the officer fires until the suspect and vehicle stop, having rolled in a counter-clockwise circle. This is concurrent with police doctrine and training in the United States- meet deadly force with deadly force, and stop when the threat ends- not necessarily when the suspect has been killed.

Both the suspect and the deputy were hospitalized following the exchange; both survived and are in stable condition.

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.