Golden State Today

The California Department of Justice has released a report on the officer-involved shooting of Ruben Ramos in Burbank, California. The incident occurred on May 27, 2023, and involved officers from the Burbank Police Department. This report is part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices across the state.

Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, “The loss of life in this situation is a tragedy that resonates deeply throughout California.” He emphasized the importance of understanding the impact such events have on individuals, families, and communities. The DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case after a thorough investigation.

On the day of the incident, police responded to reports of an individual with a gun at a Home Depot parking lot. Mr. Ramos was identified as carrying what was later determined to be a black knife. When he pointed it at officers while assuming a shooting stance, he was fatally shot.

The investigation by DOJ found insufficient evidence to prosecute the officers involved. Under Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), which mandates investigations into officer-involved shootings resulting in unarmed civilian deaths, DOJ determined that officers acted with reasonable belief of imminent danger.

The report also includes several policy recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents. These include amending policies related to weapon checks during critical incidents and enhancing crisis intervention responses by increasing staff for mental health evaluation teams and extending their availability.

A copy of the full report is available for public access.