California Attorney General Rob Bonta released a report on the April 28, 2023, death of Michael Owens following an officer-involved shooting in Oxnard, concluding that the evidence does not support filing criminal charges.
The Oxnard Police Department responded to a call from the Oxnard Fire Department requesting assistance with an uncooperative individual requiring medical attention. An officer ascended to a second-story landing after Michael Owens entered a communal bathroom there. Upon emerging from the bathroom, Owens charged at the officer with a knife in his hand, defying repeated commands to drop his weapon, leading the officer to shoot. After being initially struck by gunfire and dropping the knife, Owens continued to physically attack the officer and reached toward the officer's gun, at which point the officer fatally shot him. A knife with a three-inch blade was later found in an open position near Owens.
The state's investigation found the officer reasonably believed himself and others faced imminent death or serious bodily injury. "After a detailed investigation DOJ concluded that the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case," the agency said.
The Department of Justice recommended that Oxnard Police continue its crisis intervention training with emphasis on de-escalation and scenario-based training, provide tactical disengagement training, and provide additional training on body-worn camera operation.