Officers Use Beanbag Shotgun To Subdue Violent Man

Los Angeles: Last month, a violent man who was throwing things at passing vehicles was subdued by police officers using a beanbag shotgun.

On Thursday, July 27, 2006, around 2:15 p.m., 77th Area patrol officers responded to a vandalism suspect call at 1582 West Slauson Avenue in Los Angeles. When police arrived, they found 41-year-old Wentle Johnson walking in the vicinity. Johnson was covered in fecal matter and was holding two bottles and a piece of broken glass. He had thrown and struck a passing vehicle with some unknown object.

The suspect continued walking and told police, "Get away from me or I’ll kill you." Based on his refusal to cooperate, officers asked for additional units and requested a beanbag shotgun.

Officer Gary Parker, Serial No. 37654, 41 years old, one year with the Department, arrived at the scene. The suspect continued behaving erratically, ignoring officers’ instructions. Johnson then dropped the bottles. He turned, and, still holding the glass shard, walked toward Officer Parker.

Officer Parker fired the bean bag shotgun, striking Johnson in the lower rib area. The suspect was ordered to the ground. He complied and was taken into custody without further incident. Johnson was transported to California Hospital where he received medical treatment.

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