On a tense afternoon in Los Angeles, what began as a routine call for a domestic violence incident quickly escalated into a dangerous confrontation that ended with an officer-involved shooting. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers were dispatched to a residence in the South Los Angeles area following reports of a domestic disturbance involving a man allegedly assaulting a female relative. The suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Raymond Torres, was shot after arming himself with a knife and advancing toward officers.
The Initial Call
The incident occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025. LAPD officers responded to a 911 call made by a neighbor who reported hearing screaming and crashing noises from the unit next door. The caller stated that the man inside had a history of violent behavior and feared that the woman inside was in immediate danger.
Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with the residents. A distressed woman opened the door, visibly shaken and with injuries on her face and arms. She informed the officers that Torres, her cousin and roommate, had been drinking heavily and became violent during an argument. According to her statement, he had thrown objects at her, punched her multiple times, and threatened to kill her.
Escalation and Threat
As officers attempted to detain Torres inside the apartment, he reportedly became agitated and refused to cooperate. Body-worn camera footage, later released by the LAPD, shows officers issuing multiple verbal commands asking Torres to stay back and to show his hands. Instead, he retreated into the kitchen and grabbed a large kitchen knife.
At that point, the officers backed out of the apartment into the hallway and continued to issue commands. “Drop the knife!” one officer is heard shouting. Torres, still holding the weapon, is seen pacing toward the doorway. He then suddenly lunges forward in the direction of the officers.
The Shooting
In response to the perceived threat, two LAPD officers fired their service weapons, striking Torres multiple times in the upper body. Officers immediately rendered medical aid while calling for paramedics. Torres was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but is expected to survive, according to LAPD officials.
No officers were injured in the incident. The woman who was assaulted was treated at the scene for minor injuries but declined to be taken to the hospital.
Investigation Underway
The shooting is now under investigation by the LAPD’s Force Investigation Division, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review to determine whether the officers’ use of force was justified under the law.
Deputy Chief Marla Vasquez of the LAPD stated during a press briefing: “Our officers responded to a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation involving a domestic violence suspect armed with a deadly weapon. While we never want to see any situation result in gunfire, our officers are trained to protect themselves and others when facing an imminent threat.”
The LAPD has also confirmed that Torres has a prior criminal history, including previous arrests for assault, resisting arrest, and drug possession. A restraining order had been issued against him in 2023 in a separate domestic violence case, although it had since expired.
Community Reaction
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from community members and advocacy groups. Some residents praised the officers for protecting the victim and themselves under extremely volatile circumstances. Others, however, have raised concerns about the use of lethal force and called for greater emphasis on non-lethal alternatives, particularly in cases involving individuals with known mental health or substance abuse issues.
Local civil rights attorney Anita Rojas commented, “While officers may have acted within policy, we must continue to evaluate whether law enforcement is properly equipped to deal with individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance-fueled episodes. More resources must be directed toward de-escalation training and intervention programs.”
Transparency and Bodycam Footage
The LAPD has committed to releasing the full body-worn camera footage of the incident within 45 days, in accordance with department policy. Preliminary clips were shown to the media during the press briefing, showing Torres ignoring repeated commands and advancing with the knife before shots were fired.
The footage, while not yet publicly available in its entirety, will play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation and public assessment of the officers’ actions.
Looking Ahead
As Raymond Torres remains hospitalized and under police custody, he is expected to face multiple felony charges, including domestic battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting arrest. The female victim is currently staying with family and has been offered counseling and support services.
The shooting once again highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of domestic violence calls—often regarded as among the most perilous for responding officers. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing public safety with the use of force.
As the investigation continues, city leaders and the LAPD have promised transparency and a thorough review of the facts. Meanwhile, community advocates continue to call for reform and alternative responses to non-lethal threats, especially in the realm of domestic and mental health-related incidents.
Alternate Titles You Can Use:
“Knife-Wielding Man Shot by LAPD During Domestic Violence Call” “Domestic Violence Call Turns Violent: LAPD Shoots Armed Suspect” “LAPD Responds to Domestic Assault, Shoots Man Holding Knife” “LAPD Confronts Violent Suspect with Knife in South LA Standoff”
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