California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Brandon Salgado

OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on the death of Brandon Salgado from an officer-involved shooting in Long Beach, California on April 26, 2024. The incident involved officers from the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD). The report is part of continuous efforts by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the incident that outlines DOJ's findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case.

"The loss of life is always tragic, and we hope that this report provides those personally affected and the Long Beach community clarity," said Attorney General Bonta. "The California Department of Justice is committed to working with law enforcement agencies to foster a legal system that promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability for all. We believe it is our responsibility to create a safer California built on the foundation of trust and AB 1506 is fundamental in helping us achieve those goals."

On April 26, 2024, an LBPD officer responded to a call of an "armed home invasion robbery." Upon backup officers' arrival, Mr. Salgado engaged in an hour-long standoff with LBPD, where he repeatedly stated he was armed, and pointed what appeared to be a gun at himself and eventually at the officers. After aiming the gun at LBPD, an officer then fired his weapon, fatally wounding Mr. Salgado. After the shooting, it was discovered that Mr. Salgado's gun was a replica airsoft pistol.

AB 1506 requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state. After conducting a thorough investigation into this incident, DOJ concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer involved acted without the intent to defend themselves and others from what they reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officer, and no further action will be taken in this case.

As part of all AB 1506 investigations, DOJ meticulously examines each case to propose policy recommendations that it believes will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. After a detailed investigation, DOJ has identified no policy recommendations in this case.

Here is a copy of the report.