California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of William Nelson

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in accordance with Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on the death of William Nelson following an officer involved shooting in Hoopa Valley, California, on September 17, 2023. The incident involved an officer from theCalifornia Highway Patrol (CHP) in Humbolt County. The report is part of California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ’s findings. After a thorough investigation DOJ concluded that the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case.

“We know that incidents like these are always tragic. We hope that this report helps provide the community and Mr. Nelson’s family the closure that they deserve,” said Attorney General Bonta. “It is my office’s duty to foster a safer California that promotes transparency, trust, and accountability between law enforcement and our communities. AB 1506 is a strong tool that helps us achieve this mission. We remain dedicated to ensuring that our justice system protects the rights and dignity of all Californians.” 
On September 17, 2023, a CHP officer engaged Mr. Nelson in a pursuit after he refused to pull over his vehicle for traffic violations. Mr. Nelson eventually fled his vehicle and entered a nearby wooded area. After a foot pursuit, Mr. Nelson resisted arrest and physically attacked the officer, striking him multiple times. During a struggle on the ground, Mr. Nelson wrestled a taser away from the CHP officer, deployed it against the officer, and proceeded to bite his right leg. The officer then drew his duty pistol and fired four shots at Mr. Nelson’s chest. Mr. Nelson died on the scene as a result of his gunshot wounds.
 
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. The investigation concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer involved acted without the intent to defend himself or 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, 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 CHP should provide additional training on initiating a foot pursuit, including weighing the risks to officer and public safety in deciding when and whether to pursue a suspect on foot. The second recommendation is that CHP also provide additional training to officers on factors to be considered in deciding whether to disengage from foot pursuits. Finally, the third recommendation is that CHP should review its radio communication capabilities with other law enforcement agencies, and if radio systems are not compatible, CHP is encouraged to determine if additional training is necessary to ensure communication with partner agencies.
 
Here is a copy of the report.