Oakland Police fatally shoot man armed with improvised spears

Oakland police fatally shot 43-year-old Jose Angel Castillo during a confrontation on July 13 near a homeless encampment at 40th Avenue and International Boulevard. The Oakland Police Department released body camera footage showing the encounter, which began after the California Highway Patrol requested assistance.

Authorities stated that Castillo was armed with multiple weapons, including two improvised spears and a hammer. In the footage, officers are heard repeatedly ordering Castillo to drop the weapons. According to police reports, Castillo did not comply and moved toward officers. Although several officers deployed Tasers, Castillo reportedly advanced toward them, prompting two officers to discharge their firearms. Castillo was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave per department policy. The incident has drawn scrutiny from civil rights attorney Jim Chanin, who questioned the justification of deadly force in the encounter. This incident marks the second fatal shooting involving the Oakland Police Department this year.