Los Angeles County
A Torrance police officer was charged Friday with excessive force in connection with a 2018 non-fatal, officer-involved shooting.
“Excessive force by law enforcement authorities breeds mistrust in our communities,” District Attorney George Gascón said. “Police officers must work within the same laws they are sworn to uphold.”
David Chandler Jr., 33, was charged with one felony count of assault by an officer.
On Aug. 27, 2018, Chandler and other officers responded to a home where an elderly woman said her grandson had smashed a rear sliding glass door. The officers were unable to locate the man.
A short time later, the man returned to the home and officers again responded. The man came out of the home, allegedly holding a knife, according to officials.
As the man walked away from officers, the defendant fired multiple rounds and his partner fired once.
Chandler is accused of using excessive force by continuing to fire as the man walked away.
The case remains under investigation by District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation.