Police release bodycam video of confrontation involving man who shot at LAPD helicopter
The Los Angeles Police Department released body camera video of a violent confrontation in Manchester Square in the Gardena area involving a man who they say was shooting at a police helicopter.
The incident happened in November when officers responded to a report about an assault in the 2100 block of W. 76th Street.
When they arrived, they found 57-year-old Anthony Whitsey in front of his home with a pistol. Police said that's when he fired between three to five shots at an LAPD helicopter.
"The officers gave Whitsey multiple commands to drop the handgun, but he failed to comply with the directions, and an officer-involved shooting occurred," said the department in a statement.
Whitsey wasn't hit by the police gunfire and ultimately dropped his gun. When he still wouldn't surrender, police said officers fired a less-lethal weapon, hitting the 57-year-old.
Police said Whitsey went back to his home and refused to surrender. A K-9 unit and the SWAT team responded to the scene shortly after.
Whitsey was later taken into custody after he was bitten by a K-9. He was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and was later booked for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer
His gun has since been recovered and booked as evidence.
No other injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.
