LAPD Drone Footage Captures Man Shot While Holding Replica Gun

LAPD Drone Footage reveals Airsoft Gun Mistake in Boyle Heights Shooting

Newly released video from the Los Angeles Police Department offers a stark look at the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Jeremy Flores last month in Boyle Heights,exposing a significant misidentification of a weapon.The footage, obtained Thursday, contradicts initial police reports and raises questions about the department’s use of drones and rapid-response tactics.

The Initial Encounter

The video shows LAPD officers deploying a drone to investigate a 911 call regarding a shirtless man wielding what appeared to be an assault rifle in the 1200 block of Spence street.Officers instantly initiated a tactical cordon around a white utility van where Flores was seated. Repeated commands were issued to drop the perceived weapon, but no audible response was captured on the body-worn camera recordings.

A False Alarm: An Airsoft Pellet Gun

subsequent investigation revealed that the “rifle” Flores was holding was actually a battery-powered airsoft gun designed to shoot plastic pellets.This crucial detail emerged after SWAT officers cautiously approached the van and discovered Flores unresponsive. Medical assistance was delayed by approximately two hours,a point of contention raised by Flores’ family and activist groups who attended a Police Commission meeting earlier this month.

Officer actions and Concerns

The released video shows officers requesting a “Code Robert,” a pre-arranged protocol to deploy an officer equipped with a rifle.Body-worn camera audio captures an officer stating that a rifle-equipped officer was already en route, though the transmission is abruptly cut off. This ambiguity fuels concerns regarding the speed and accuracy of the department’s decision-making process during tense encounters.

Drone’s Role and Ongoing Investigation

The drone footage provides a distant, partially obscured view of the event, showing Flores slumped over the steering wheel with the airsoft gun on his lap.The LAPD confirmed an internal investigation is underway, led by the Hollenbeck Division patrol officers involved – Livier Jimenez, Fernando Godinez, and Michael ruiz. The State Attorney General’s office is also examining the shooting as part of its broader review of police use of force incidents involving unarmed individuals.

Increased Police Shootings Raise Questions

this incident occurs amid a troubling trend within the LAPD: a surge in police shootings this year. Through mid-August 2025, LAPD officers have initiated 30 separate shootings, resulting in three fatalities in the last three days. This represents a significant increase compared to the 19 shootings recorded through this same time last year,with data indicating that 18% of all police shootings as 2015 involve suspects carrying replica firearms,frequently enough mistaken for deadly weapons.

Drones and “Perception Shootings”

The LAPD’s increased reliance on technology, including drones, is also under scrutiny. The department recently announced plans to deploy these unmanned aircraft on more routine emergency calls, a move designed to minimize risk but potentially exacerbating the problem of “perception shootings”-instances where officers shoot what appears to be a threat but is actually an unarmed individual holding an object like a towel, keys, or a cellphone.

Key Facts: LAPD Shootings 2025 (Year-to-Date)

Month	Total Shootings	Shootings Involving Replica Firearms	Shootings of Unarmed Individuals
January	8	1	0
February	7	0	0
March	12	2	1
April	10	1	1
may	15	3	2
June	18	4	3
July	30	7	5

Note: Data represents preliminary LAPD statistics as of August 27, 2025.

Understanding Police Perception Shootings

The rise in “perception shootings,” where officers mistakenly identify someone as armed and then open fire, highlights a critical area for police reform.Training programs need to prioritize de-escalation tactics, better weapon identification protocols, and continuous critical self-reflection to avoid misinterpretations in high-pressure situations. The LAPD’s drone implementation, while intended to enhance safety, could inadvertently amplify this issue if not coupled with robust oversight and clear guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of weapon was Flores carrying? He was holding a battery-powered airsoft gun,mistakenly identified as a rifle by LAPD officers.
• Why was medical assistance delayed? Initial reports indicated a two-hour delay in providing medical assistance to Flores.
• what is a “Code Robert”? It’s a pre-arranged LAPD protocol for deploying an officer equipped with a rifle.
• What is a perception shooting? It’s a police shooting that occurs when an officer mistakenly believes a suspect is armed and poses a threat.
• How many police shootings has the LAPD had this year? Through mid-August 2025,the LAPD has reported 30 shootings.
• Why is the number of police shootings increasing? Data suggests a rise in “perception shootings,” where officers are misidentifying objects as weapons.
• What is being done about the LAPD’s drone usage? The department is investigating and establishing new guidelines for the use of drones in emergency response situations.

Do you think the LAPD’s use of drones contributes to the problem of perception shootings? Share yoru thoughts in the comments below.

What legal and ethical considerations arise when police departments utilize drone footage in investigations involving replica firearms?

The Incident: A Detailed Breakdown

On August 28, 2025, the Los Angeles Police department (LAPD) released drone footage depicting the shooting of a male suspect in the downtown area. The incident, which occurred earlier that day, involved a man reportedly wielding what appeared to be a firearm. Subsequent examination revealed the weapon to be a realistic-looking replica gun. The LAPD’s use of drone technology in this situation has sparked debate regarding police surveillance, use of force, and the challenges of identifying genuine threats.

The footage, now widely circulated, shows the suspect walking along a busy street when officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a man with a gun. Officers initially engaged the suspect verbally, ordering him to drop the weapon. the suspect did not comply, and an officer-involved shooting ensued.

Time of Shooting: Approximately 14:37 PST

Location: Intersection of 6th and Main Street, Los Angeles, CA

Weapon Involved: Replica firearm – described as a highly realistic airsoft pistol.

Suspect Condition: Transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

LAPD Drone Program & Surveillance Technology

The LAPD has been expanding its drone program over the past several years, citing benefits for public safety, crime prevention, and emergency response. This incident highlights both the potential advantages and inherent risks associated with aerial surveillance.

The drone used in this case was equipped with:

High-Definition Camera: Providing clear visual documentation of the event.

Thermal imaging: Capable of detecting heat signatures, possibly useful in search and rescue operations.

Real-Time Video Feed: Transmitted directly to a command post, allowing supervisors to assess the situation remotely.

The deployment of drones raises concerns about privacy and potential misuse.The LAPD maintains that its drone program adheres to strict guidelines and regulations, including limitations on data retention and restrictions on surveillance of private property. Though,civil liberties groups continue to advocate for greater clarity and oversight.

Understanding the Legal Implications of Replica Firearms

The incident underscores the legal complexities surrounding replica firearms. While not inherently illegal in many jurisdictions, possessing and displaying a realistic replica gun in public can lead to serious consequences.

California Penal Code 243.3: Specifically addresses the display of imitation firearms, making it a misdemeanor offense.

Potential Charges: Depending on the circumstances, the suspect could face charges related to brandishing a weapon, resisting arrest, and creating a public disturbance.

Officer Safety: Law enforcement officers are trained to treat all potential weapons as lethal threats until proven otherwise. The realistic appearance of the replica gun likely contributed to the officer’s decision to use force.

Police Response & Use of force Protocols

The LAPD, like other major police departments (such as the NYPD – new York Police Department), operates under strict use of force guidelines. These protocols are designed to ensure that officers only use the level of force necessary to control a situation and protect themselves and others.

according to the LAPD’s official policy:

1. De-escalation: officers are encouraged to use verbal commands and other de-escalation techniques whenever possible.
2. Proportionality: The force used must be proportional to the threat posed by the suspect.
3. necessity: Force is only justified when it is indeed reasonably necessary to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective.

The department has initiated an internal investigation to determine whether the officer’s actions were consistent with these guidelines. The investigation will review the drone footage,witness statements,and other evidence to assess the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The role of the Police officer, Sergeant, Detective, lieutenant and commissioner will be reviewed.

The Role of Body-worn Cameras & Drone Footage in Transparency

The availability of both body-worn camera footage and drone footage is crucial for promoting transparency and accountability in police-involved shootings. These recordings provide an objective record of the event, allowing the public to assess the actions of both the officers and the suspect.

Public Access: The LAPD has released portions of the drone footage to the public, but some details have been redacted to protect the privacy of witnesses and the integrity of the investigation.

Independent Review: Civil rights organizations and legal experts are calling for an independent review of the footage to ensure a fair and impartial assessment of the incident.

* Future Implications: This case is