LAPD Fatally Shoot Homeless Man On Skid Row After Physical Struggle (Video)

A group of LAPD officers fatally shot a homeless man in broad daylight on Sunday following a struggle over a weapon, according to authorities.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the incident occurred in downtown LA's skid row at around noon as officers responded to a call about a robbery.

Whether a robbery was actually taking place is not clear, but a witness said when officers arrived, a homeless man known as Africa was reportedly arguing with someone else in his tent.

Africa had been asked to take down his tent many times before because sleeping on the street is only legally permitted from 9 pm to 6 am.

The responding officers demanded that Africa come out of his tent and reportedly used a Taser when he refused.

At some point, Africa emerged from his dwelling, but reportedly kept resisting police and got a hold of one of the officers' guns.

Witness Jose Gil told the Times  he heard one officer say, "Gun, gun, he's got my gun!" before Africa was shot dead.

Post by Revolution News.

In the video, at least five separate gunshots can be heard.

The resident of a nearby apartment said Africa had been living in the area for about four or five months after being released from a mental institution, where he allegedly lived for 10 years.

An investigation over whether unnecessary force was used is currently underway.

Aside from two videos shot by bystanders, investigators will study footage from a body camera worn by one officer, and they hope to secure surveillance videos from nearby buildings for further investigation.

Citations: LAPD fatal shooting of man caught on tape (The Los Angeles Times)