Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Newly Released Footage Shows Terrifying Incident Involving Homeless Man in Woodland Hills and Calabasas
Recently released footage has revealed the chilling moments that unfolded in the streets of Woodland Hills and Calabasas when a homeless man attacked someone with a machete before being fatally shot by the police. The incident occurred on November 1st at a McDonald’s located near Mulholland Drive and the 101 Freeway.
According to the victim, who called 911 after the attack, he was able to escape from the assailant but was pursued relentlessly. The victim expressed his concern about the growing issue of homelessness, stating, “We need to get in control of these homeless people.” Fortunately, the victim did not sustain serious injuries and did not require medical attention.
The attacker, later identified as Benjamin Pritchard, dropped the machete and began wandering through a busy shopping center parking lot. When the police arrived, dash camera footage captured their attempts to apprehend Pritchard near the McDonald’s and later near the southbound 101 Freeway onramp at Mulholland Drive/Valley Circle Boulevard.
In the video, Pritchard can be seen charging at the police SUV with a knife, striking the vehicle before fleeing. He then ran along Calabasas Road, eventually finding refuge in the parking lot of the Sagebrush Cantina, a popular restaurant and music venue in Old Town Calabasas.
Police officers quickly arrived and urged everyone inside the restaurant to lock the doors for their safety. Security cameras and police body-worn cameras captured the violent conclusion of the incident. Pritchard emerged from the patio dining area with a bottle and a knife, prompting an officer to deploy a Taser, which had little effect.
Despite repeated commands to drop the knife, Pritchard continued to brandish it, prompting the officers to open fire in self-defense. He was struck by the gunfire and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Thankfully, no officers or witnesses were injured during the confrontation.
Authorities believe Pritchard, who was from San Diego County, may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case to determine if the use of deadly force by the police was justified.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding homelessness and the potential dangers faced by both individuals experiencing homelessness and the general public. It also underscores the difficult decisions that law enforcement officers often face in ensuring public safety.