LAPD releases video of shooting in which plainclothes detective opens fire on stabbing suspect in Westlake District
Newly released video shows the moment a Los Angeles police officer opened fire on a man investigators say stabbed another man during a fight in the Westlake District .
The incident happened around 11 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2025, near Alvarado Street and Olympic Boulevard.
According to police, a plainclothes detective had been stopped in an unmarked vehicle when he noticed two men fighting in the street in front of his car.
"The suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Johnny Valencia, chased the victim while armed with a knife and began stabbing him, causing the victim to fall to the ground," read a press release about the incident. "Valencia continued stabbing the victim as he was lying on the ground."
The video, which was posted on LAPD's YouTube channel , shows the detective getting out of his vehicle with his gun drawn.
"The detective exited his vehicle while Valencia was still armed with the knife, and an Officer-Involved Shooting occurred," read the statement from police.
Valencia suffered a gunshot wound and was sent to a local hospital, according to police. He was taken into custody without incident.
The stabbing victim was also hospitalized and was listed in stable condition.
The detective involved in the shooting was identified as Rampart Area Detective II Robert Chiu.
According to police, a knife was recovered at the scene.
Valencia has since been charged with attempted murder.
