California Attorney General Rob Bonta released an investigation report concluding that a California Highway Patrol officer should not face criminal charges in connection with the September 17, 2023, death of William Nelson in Hoopa Valley. The report was required under state law.
According to the investigation, Nelson was pursued by a CHP officer after refusing to stop for traffic violations. Nelson fled his vehicle into a wooded area, and during a subsequent foot pursuit, resisted arrest and struck the officer multiple times. While struggling on the ground, Nelson wrestled a taser away from the officer, deployed it against him, and bit the officer's right leg. The officer then fired four shots at Nelson's chest, killing him.
The investigation concluded the evidence did not show the officer "acted without the intent to defend himself or others from what he reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury," according to the attorney general's office. The state said there was insufficient evidence to support criminal prosecution.
The report issued three recommendations for the California Highway Patrol: additional training on foot pursuit decisions; training on disengaging from pursuits; and a review of radio communication compatibility with other law enforcement agencies.