California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Tahmon Wilson
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra - Press Releases ·
September 29, 2026 Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on the death of Tahmon Wilson following an officer-involved shooting in Contra Costa County, California, on August 18, 2023. The incident involved four officers from the Martinez Police Department (MPD). The report is part of ongoing efforts by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a thorough analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ’s findings. After a detailed investigation DOJ concluded that the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case. “Losing a life is always devastating, but we hope this report offers Mr. Wilson’s family and the community closure and understanding,” said Attorney General Bonta. “AB 1506 is a critical transparency and accountability tool that helps my office promote trust between law enforcement and Californians. We take our responsibility to foster confidence in our justice system seriously, and we are dedicated to creating a safer and fairer California for all.” On August 18, 2023, four MPD officers arrived at the Velvet Cannabis Weed Dispensary after being alerted to an attempted break-in. Upon arrival, MPD officers observed a vehicle driven by Mr. Wilson with a passenger in the front seat in the dispensary parking lot. Mr. Wilson attempted to maneuver through the parked patrol vehicles as the officers drew their firearms and yelled verbal commands to stop. Mr. Wilson failed to stop and instead drove forward, striking an officer and sideswiping a patrol vehicle. Officers fired multiple shots, and Mr. Wilson was fatally shot. The vehicle was later discovered to be stolen, and a loaded semiautomatic firearm was found on the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. AB 1506 requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state. After conducting a comprehensive investigation into this incident, DOJ concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officers involved acted without the intent to defend themselves and others from what they reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officers, and no further action will be taken in this case. As part of the investigation DOJ has identified eight recommendations related to this incident. The first recommendation is that MPD provide additional training and guidance regarding the use of deadly force against moving vehicles and occupants of vehicles. The second recommendation is that MPD develop policy and provide training on officer communications during critical incidents, especially in instances with known weapons inside of vehicles, to promote officer safety and awareness. Recommendation three is that MPD provide additional training to ensure officers comply with the department’s use of force policy. Recommendation four is that MPD provide further training on rendering and procuring medical assistance after an officer’s use force. The fifth recommendation is that MPD provide additional training to their officers on the requirement that they immediately notify their supervisors when they use force, especially when they discharge their firearm. Recommendation six is that MPD amend its body worn camera policy and provide additional training on body worn camera activation and deactivation. The seventh recommendation is that MPD amend its officer-involved shooting policy to require officers to sequester separately after an incident and refrain from discussing an officer-involved shooting with each other before further direction from a supervisor. Finally, recommendation eight is that MPD amend its policy and provide additional training on the preservation of evidence to ensure that evidence is properly handled and preserved. Here is a copy of the report . Tags: Criminal Division Law Enforcement
September 29, 2026 Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on the death of Tahmon Wilson following an officer-involved shooting in Contra Costa County, California, on August 18, 2023. The incident involved four officers from the Martinez Police Department (MPD). The report is part of ongoing efforts by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a thorough analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ’s findings. After a detailed investigation DOJ concluded that the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case. “Losing a life is always devastating, but we hope this report offers Mr. Wilson’s family and the community closure and understanding,” said Attorney General Bonta. “AB 1506 is a critical transparency and accountability tool that helps my office promote trust between law enforcement and Californians. We take our responsibility to foster confidence in our justice system seriously, and we are dedicated to creating a safer and fairer California for all.” On August 18, 2023, four MPD officers arrived at the Velvet Cannabis Weed Dispensary after being alerted to an attempted break-in. Upon arrival, MPD officers observed a vehicle driven by Mr. Wilson with a passenger in the front seat in the dispensary parking lot. Mr. Wilson attempted to maneuver through the parked patrol vehicles as the officers drew their firearms and yelled verbal commands to stop. Mr. Wilson failed to stop and instead drove forward, striking an officer and sideswiping a patrol vehicle. Officers fired multiple shots, and Mr. Wilson was fatally shot. The vehicle was later discovered to be stolen, and a loaded semiautomatic firearm was found on the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. AB 1506 requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state. After conducting a comprehensive investigation into this incident, DOJ concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officers involved acted without the intent to defend themselves and others from what they reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officers, and no further action will be taken in this case. As part of the investigation DOJ has identified eight recommendations related to this incident. The first recommendation is that MPD provide additional training and guidance regarding the use of deadly force against moving vehicles and occupants of vehicles. The second recommendation is that MPD develop policy and provide training on officer communications during critical incidents, especially in instances with known weapons inside of vehicles, to promote officer safety and awareness. Recommendation three is that MPD provide additional training to ensure officers comply with the department’s use of force policy. Recommendation four is that MPD provide further training on rendering and procuring medical assistance after an officer’s use force. The fifth recommendation is that MPD provide additional training to their officers on the requirement that they immediately notify their supervisors when they use force, especially when they discharge their firearm. Recommendation six is that MPD amend its body worn camera policy and provide additional training on body worn camera activation and deactivation. The seventh recommendation is that MPD amend its officer-involved shooting policy to require officers to sequester separately after an incident and refrain from discussing an officer-involved shooting with each other before further direction from a supervisor. Finally, recommendation eight is that MPD amend its policy and provide additional training on the preservation of evidence to ensure that evidence is properly handled and preserved. Here is a copy of the report . Tags: Criminal Division Law Enforcement
Источник: California Attorney General Xavier Becerra - Press Releases