A confrontation between police in Oakland and an armed man ended tragically when the man, reportedly ignoring commands to drop his weapons, lunged toward the officers. This incident resulted in the death of 43-year-old Jose Angel Castillo.
Dramatic footage shows the moments leading up to the event where Castillo was said to be carrying two makeshift spears near a homeless encampment at 40th Street and International Boulevard. Officers had been called to assist shortly after 2 p.m. on July 13, following a request from the California Highway Patrol.
As seen in the video, officers pursued Castillo, repeatedly instructing him to drop his weapons before gunfire ensued. An early report from an officer indicated Castillo was armed and exhibiting aggressive behavior, which prompted the call for backup. During the encounter, multiple commands were issued, including a plea for him to discard a hammer he was also holding.
One officer advised Castillo that he was being restricted, urging him to put down the weapon. As tensions rose, officers insisted they needed to address the situation immediately. Again, calls to drop the knives were clear, yet Castillo reportedly responded with defiance, insisting they leave him alone.
At a turning point in the confrontation, officers announced they were preparing to deploy Tasers. Castillo’s refusal to comply escalated the standoff. Commands to throw away his knife were met with resistance, culminating in a gunfight that followed shortly after. The police reported shots fired and ordered him not to move.
In response to Castillo lunging at them with a weapon, OPD stated that officers employed both less-lethal and lethal force. Despite life-saving measures, Castillo succumbed to his injuries at the scene. During the incident, no officers or civilians were harmed.
Following the shooting, officers involved were placed on administrative leave, per department procedures. The incident has raised questions over the use of force, provoking scrutiny from civil rights advocates such as attorney Jim Chanin. He expressed concerns about whether the force used was justified amidst a climate where threats are commonplace.
Multiple investigations have been launched, including criminal and administrative reviews by OPD, alongside a separate inquiry by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. The police department assured the public of its commitment to transparency and recognized the need for updated information as investigations progress.
At this point, OPD is withholding further details to protect the ongoing investigations.
