Lathrop police have released body camera footage of an officer fatally shooting an unarmed man following a domestic violence call last month. The incident, which occurred on August 27 in the 1500 block of Pamela Court, led to the death of Enrique Lozano after officers responded to a volatile situation where two children were also present.
The video footage, made public by police, captures the intense moments that unfolded when officers arrived at the residence. According to dispatch audio integrated into the video, a female victim could be heard screaming and pleading for a man to stop hitting her. The audio also contained loud banging, indicating an active and violent domestic dispute. Police reports confirm that the couple's two children were at the home during the altercation, adding to the gravity of the situation officers encountered.
As the interaction with officers progressed, the man, later identified as Enrique Lozano, reportedly disregarded commands issued by the officers. The released footage shows Lozano ignoring these orders and subsequently attempting to grab for one of the officers' service weapons. It was at this critical moment that an officer discharged their firearm, striking Lozano.
Following the shooting, officers on scene immediately began providing medical aid to Lozano. He was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment, but despite these efforts, Lozano later died from his injuries. No officers involved in the incident were reported to have sustained any injuries.
The shooting has prompted two separate and distinct investigations. The Lathrop Police Department is conducting its own internal investigation into the incident. This is a standard protocol that is initiated whenever an officer fires their service weapon, ensuring a thorough review of departmental procedures and officer conduct.
In addition to the local review, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an independent investigation into the shooting. This state-level inquiry is mandated by California law, which requires the DOJ to investigate and review all police shootings that involve unarmed civilians. The independent nature of the DOJ investigation aims to provide an impartial assessment of the events that transpired.
Upon the completion of its thorough investigation, the California Department of Justice will turn over its findings. These findings will be submitted to the DOJ's Special Prosecutions Section. This process underscores the state's commitment to independent oversight and accountability in cases of officer-involved shootings, particularly those involving unarmed individuals. The release of the body camera footage by the Lathrop Police Department is part of the ongoing transparency surrounding these investigations, providing visual documentation of the critical events that led to the fatal shooting on Pamela Court.