OCDA clears Santa Ana officers of wrongdoing in 2022 death of 73-year-old man bitten by K-9 dog

The Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) announced on March 16, 2023, that no charges would be filed against the Santa Ana Police Department officers involved in the 2022 fatal encounter with a 73-year-old man named Jose Chavez. The incident occurred on January 15, 2022, when law enforcement responded to reports of a man with a gun near the intersection of McFadden Avenue and Edinger Avenue in Santa Ana, California.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Chavez, who reportedly matched the description provided in the initial calls. According to the OCDA report, Chavez ignored commands from the officers and appeared to be under the influence of drugs or mental health issues. He refused to comply with orders and walked away from the scene, prompting the officers to deploy a K-9 unit to apprehend him.

During the pursuit, Chavez allegedly turned and lunged at one of the officers with an unknown object, leading the officer to fear for their safety and release the K-9 to bite him. The incident resulted in Chavez's injury and eventual death shortly after being taken to a local hospital.

However, upon further investigation, no weapon was found on Chavez's person or at the scene. The initial reports suggesting that Chavez was armed were based on witness statements and not corroborated evidence. The OCDA's investigation concluded that the officers acted reasonably based on the information they had at the time and in accordance with departmental policies and training.

The report also noted that Chavez's cause of death was determined to be a combination of the K-9 bite and his underlying health conditions. The incident sparked protests and calls for transparency and accountability from community members and advocacy groups. The Santa Ana Police Department has since released body camera footage of the incident, which has been made available to the public.

The OCDA's decision not to file charges against the officers involved is not an uncommon outcome in such cases, as law enforcement use of force is often subject to extensive scrutiny and review. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, with the Santa Ana Police Department conducting an internal review and the Orange County Sheriff's Department leading an independent investigation into the incident.

It is important to note that this summary is based on publicly available information and should not be considered an exhaustive account of the incident or its aftermath. Further details may emerge as the investigations continue and additional information becomes available.