Sikh Man with Machete Fatally Shot by LAPD After Car Chase in Los Angeles

New York – A 35-year-old Sikh man, identified as Gurpreet Singh, was fatally shot by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers after a dramatic car chase and armed confrontation on July 13. Singh, a resident of Arcadia, sustained gunshot wounds and later died in hospital on July 17.

Dramatic Confrontation with Police

According to the LAPD, Singh was seen waving a 27-inch-long machete at vehicles and pedestrians on the street. At one point, he even made a gesture as if attempting to cut his tongue with the weapon. Despite repeated police commands to drop the machete, Singh refused to comply.

He returned to his vehicle, retrieved a water bottle, and threw it at the officers before driving off, waving the machete from the driver’s side window. Officers initiated a pursuit as Singh drove erratically, performing circles in the street, and colliding with a police vehicle.

Fatal Shooting Captured on Video

The LAPD released a video showing Singh exiting his vehicle while armed with the machete and charging directly at officers. Despite repeated warnings, police opened fire when Singh advanced toward their vehicle. He was struck by gunfire and collapsed on the pavement.

Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries four days later. The machete, two feet in length, was recovered at the scene and taken into evidence.

Officers Identified, Probe Underway

The officers involved in the incident have been named as Central Area Police Officer IIs Michael Orozco and Nestor Espinoza Bojorquez. The LAPD confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to determine whether the use of deadly force was in line with department policies.

The shooting has sparked widespread discussion about police tactics and accountability in cases involving armed suspects.