Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Newly released footage has revealed the horrifying sequence of events that unfolded in the streets of Woodland Hills and Calabasas, California. It all began on November 1 when a homeless man attacked an individual with a machete outside a McDonald’s restaurant near the 101 Freeway. The victim managed to escape and called 911 to report the assault.
During the call, the victim expressed concern about the growing issue of homelessness and the need to address it urgently. Thankfully, he sustained only minor injuries and did not require medical attention. The assailant, later identified as Benjamin Pritchard, dropped the machete and began wandering through a busy shopping center parking lot.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers quickly responded to the scene, attempting to apprehend Pritchard near the McDonald’s and later near the southbound 101 Freeway onramp. Dash camera footage from the police vehicles captured the suspect charging at one of the SUVs with a knife, striking the vehicle before fleeing.
Pritchard continued to run along Calabasas Road, next to the Motion Picture & Television Fund complex, eventually ending up in the parking lot of the Sagebrush Cantina, a popular restaurant and music venue in Old Town Calabasas. In a desperate attempt to protect the public, an officer shouted through the PA system for everyone to seek shelter inside the restaurant and lock the doors.
Security cameras and police body-worn cameras recorded the violent confrontation that followed. Pritchard emerged with a bottle and a knife, and despite an officer’s attempt to subdue him with a Taser, he remained undeterred. In response, officers repeatedly commanded Pritchard to drop the knife. When he disregarded their orders and ran toward a patio dining area, the officers opened fire, striking Pritchard and causing him to fall to the ground.
Tragically, Pritchard was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Fortunately, no officers or witnesses were injured during the incident. Police suspect that Pritchard was under the influence of drugs at the time, though the toxicology report has yet to be released. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will conduct an investigation to determine if the officers’ use of deadly force was justified.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in addressing homelessness and the complexities of ensuring public safety. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both homeless individuals and the general public when confrontations escalate to such extreme levels.