FN 509 MRD-LE, one of the type of guns used by Los Angeles Police Department
October 21, 2026 - OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in accordance with Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), on Tuesday released a report on the death of Martin Sebastian from an officer-involved shooting in Los Angeles, California on March 16, 2024. The incident involved deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). This report is part of ongoing efforts by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report presents a detailed analysis of the incident that outlines DOJ’s findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case.
“Loss of life is always tragic, and we hope that this report provides Mr. Sebastian’s family and the community closure” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our priority is to protect the rights of individuals while also fostering a system that promotes trust and accountability between law enforcement and Californians. My office is always working to make California a safer place, and AB 1506 is crucial in helping us achieve that goal.”
On March 16, 2024, LASD deputies responded to a call about a man with a handgun causing a disturbance outside of El Tio Tono Market. When the deputies arrived, Mr. Sebastian pointed his firearm directly at the responding deputies. The deputies immediately fired at Mr. Sebastian, fatally striking him. After the shooting, it was discovered that Mr. Sebastian’s firearm was a replica.
AB 1506 requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state. After conducting a comprehensive investigation into this incident, DOJ concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the deputies involved acted without the intent to defend themselves and others from what they reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the deputies, and no further action will be taken in this case.
As part of the investigation, DOJ has identified three recommendations related to this incident. The first recommendation is that LASD amend its body worn camera policy and provide additional training on body worn camera activation and what discussions are permitted and prohibited during debriefs after a deputy-involved shooting. The second recommendation is that LASD provide further training to ensure that deputies involved in a shooting understand and comply with policies regarding sequestration to preserve the integrity of an investigation. The third recommendation is that LASD amend its policy and provide further training on the preservation of evidence related to deputy-involved shootings.
Here is a copy of the report.
Source: CA. DOJ
