California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Nicholas Detweiler

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra - Press Releases · November 6, 2026

November 6, 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 Nicholas Detweiler from an officer-involved shooting in Mount Shasta, California on December 25, 2023. The incident involved an officer from the Mount Shasta Police Department (MSPD). The report is part of continuous efforts by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the incident that outlines DOJ’s findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case. “The loss of life is always tragic, and we hope that this report provides those personally affected and the greater Mount Shasta community with clarity,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The California Department of Justice is committed to working with law enforcement agencies to foster a legal system that promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability for all. We believe it is our responsibility to create a safer California built on the foundation of trust and AB 1506 is fundamental in helping us achieve those goals.” On December 25, 2023, Amtrak personnel called for law enforcement’s assistance to remove passenger Nicholas Detweiler from a southbound intercity Amtrak passenger train because he was brandishing brass knuckles. A Mount Shasta Police Department officer boarded the train and contacted Mr. Detweiler who appeared to be asleep. The officer woke Mr. Detweiler and began giving him commands. The two men then engaged in a struggle in which the officer deployed both his Taser and baton. During a brief standoff, the officer drew his handgun and Mr. Detweiler armed himself with brass knuckles. Seconds later, Mr. Detweiler spun around and raised his arm to punch an Assistant Conductor with the brass knuckles. The officer fired multiple rounds striking both Mr. Detweiler as well as the conductor. Mr. Detweiler died of his injuries while the conductor survived. 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 thorough investigation into this incident, DOJ concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer 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 officer, and no further action will be taken in this case. As part of all AB 1506 investigations, DOJ meticulously examines each case to propose policy recommendations that it believes will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. After a detailed investigation, DOJ has identified six policy recommendations in this case. The first recommendation is that MSPD provide additional training regarding assessing a situation and developing a tactical plan prior to contacting subjects, when feasible. The second recommendation is that MSPD provide additional training regarding the effective use of electronic control devices, including TASERS. The third recommendation is that MSPD amend its de-escalation policy to require de-escalation techniques when feasible, to comply with state law. The fourth recommendation is that MSPD provide additional training on communication as an effective de-escalation strategy. The fifth recommendation is that MSPD provide its dispatchers additional training on communication with officers responding to armed subjects, especially during shifts with low staffing. The sixth recommendation is that MSPD amend its policy to require officers to be aware of their backdrop before discharging a firearm and evaluate its training curriculum to determine whether modifications are needed to ensure officers are adequately trained on how to minimize potential risks to bystanders in the surrounding area. Here is a copy of the report .

Источник: California Attorney General Xavier Becerra - Press Releases