Statement from Police Chief Andrew White (August 19)
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Statement from the Mayor and City Council Regarding the Incident (August 19)
The Martinez City Council were notified about the officer-involved shooting early Friday morning and are saddened to hear that it resulted in the loss of life of a civilian.
Consistent with state law AB 1506, the Department of Justice is now the lead investigator into this use of force incident. Our police department is also conducting an administrative investigation per City policies utilizing an outside investigator. Both final reports will ultimately be released to the public, as well as body cam footage from the officers involved. Police-related activities that result in loss of life elicit many questions and we request your patience and understanding as the information is gathered as to the exact details of the incident. We stay committed to transparency and will continue to provide the public with details as information is released from the investigations.
Our City has not had an officer-involved shooting in decades and we recognize that this is an emotional time for the families of the civilians involved in this incident, our officers and police department staff, and our community. The Martinez City Council is united in support of all our City police officers and staff, and our hearts go out to everyone in our community who has been impacted by this incident.
Brianne Zorn, Mayor
Mark Ross, Vice Mayor
Debbie McKillop, Councilmember
Jay Howard, Councilmember
Satinder S. Malhi, Councilmember
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Department of Justice Statement (August 18)
Based on the investigation, it is believed that four Martinez police officers discharged their firearms in this incident. The four officers have been placed on administrative leave as per department policy.
One of the civilians in the incident who was transported to the hospital is deceased. In accordance with Assembly Bill 1506 (https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents), the Martinez Police Department notified the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ is leading the investigation and will independently review the officer-involved shooting.
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Police Department News Release (August 18)
On August 18, 2023, around 3:27 a.m., the Martinez Police Department received a report of a video alarm at Velvet, a cannabis dispensary, located at 4808 Sunrise Drive. While enroute, officers were advised of multiple subjects at the business along with two vehicles.
Officers arrived on scene around 3:32 a.m. and one of the vehicles, described as a white SUV, fled the scene. Officers broadcast that shots were fired and there was an assault on an officer. The second vehicle attempted to flee and then crashed into a fire hydrant. The two occupants of the vehicle were transported to the hospital.
Additional law enforcement agencies responded to secure the scene. The Martinez Police Department initiated an investigation with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office in accordance with the countywide protocol for officer-involved shootings. One officer is receiving treatment at the hospital for what is believed to be a minor injury.
The investigating agencies have responded with extensive resources to determine exactly what took place. The area where the incident occurred remains closed while crime scene investigators collect evidence. The officers involved were wearing body-worn cameras and footage is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
The investigation is in its early stages and ongoing. Further information is expected to be released this evening. Additionally, our understanding of the incident may change as more individuals are interviewed and evidence is collected and analyzed.
If you have information regarding this incident, please contact Investigations at 925-372-3450.
