Additional Coverage:
- Bodycam video shows California man with shovel gunned down after charging cop outside elementary school (themirror.com)
Officer Fatally Shoots Armed Man Near Anaheim Elementary School
Anaheim, CA – An Anaheim police officer fatally shot a man who reportedly charged him with a shovel near John Marshall Elementary School on September 15. The incident, which occurred around 12:45 p.m., was captured on the officer’s body camera.
Authorities identified the deceased as Rudy Anthony Martinez II, 36.
The confrontation began when an officer responded to a 911 call reporting a suspicious man wielding a brick and a shovel. Upon the officer’s arrival, Martinez reportedly spotted the patrol vehicle across an intersection and immediately ran toward the officer.
Body camera footage shows the officer exiting his cruiser as Martinez began to swing the shovel. The officer issued multiple verbal commands, shouting for Martinez to “stand down” and warning him, “you’re gonna get shot!” Despite these warnings, Martinez continued to advance and swing the weapon.
The officer then fired two warning shots. When Martinez persisted in his aggressive approach, the officer discharged his firearm, striking Martinez.
The Anaheim Police Department confirmed the event in a press release, stating, “When the officer arrived and encountered the subject, an officer-involved shooting occurred.”
John Marshall Elementary School was placed on lockdown following the shooting, which took place near the school’s parking lot. Police officials stated that no students witnessed the incident.
After the shooting, the officer administered first aid to Martinez until paramedics arrived. Martinez was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately 30 minutes later.