California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Michael Owens

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in accordance with Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on the death of Michael Owens following an officer-involved shooting in Oxnard, California, on April 28, 2023. The incident involved an officer from the Oxnard Police Department (OPD). This report is part of the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) persistent efforts to supply transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a thorough analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ’s findings. After a detailed investigation DOJ concluded that the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case.

“Incidents like these are always incredibly tragic, but we hope that this report provides both the family and the community some understanding and closure,” said Attorney General Bonta. “My office aims to foster a system of trust and accountability between Californians and law enforcement, and AB 1506 is essential in achieving that. We feel it is our responsibility to cultivate confidence in our justice system, and my office is dedicated to striving for a safer California for all.” 

On April 28, 2023, OPD responded to a call from the Oxnard Fire Department requesting assistance with an uncooperative individual requiring medical attention. Shortly after, an OPD officer arrived on the scene. After communicating with the fire captain on site who identified the individual as Michael Owens, the OPD officer ascended to the second story landing because Mr. Owens entered a communal bathroom on that floor. Upon emerging from the bathroom, Mr. Owens charged at the officer with a knife in his hand, defying repeated commands to drop his weapon. This led the officer to shoot at Mr. Owens. After initially being struck by gunfire and dropping the knife, Mr. Owens continued to physically attack the officer and reached toward the officer's gun. As a result, the OPD officer fatally shot Mr. Owens. A knife with a three-inch blade was later recovered in an open position laying near Mr. Owens. 

Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer involved acted without the intent to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officer. As such, 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 commends OPD for its development of its crisis intervention training following this incident and recommends that OPD continue this training with an emphasis on de-escalation, scenario-based training and working with the county’s co-response team. The second recommendation is that OPD continue to provide tactical disengagement training for officers that align with the department’s crisis intervention and de-escalation policies. Finally, the third recommendation is that OPD provide additional training on muting body worn cameras (BWC), specifically how and when to properly mute a BWC, and to verbally announce reasons for muting prior to disabling the sound. 

Here is a copy of the report.