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 December 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 call. According to the OCDA report, Chavez refused to comply with commands from the officers and appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He reportedly made threatening statements towards the officers and displayed erratic behavior.

The report states that during the encounter, a K-9 officer deployed his dog to apprehend Chavez after he ignored repeated commands to surrender and approached one of the officers with an unknown object in his hand. The K-9 bit Chavez during the apprehension attempt, and despite immediate medical attention, he later succumbed to his injuries at 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 were later determined to be unfounded. The OCDA's investigation concluded that the officers acted within the scope of their duties and did not use excessive force during the encounter.

The investigation included a thorough review of all available evidence, including body camera footage from the officers involved and interviews with witnesses. The findings were presented to the Orange County Grand Jury, which declined to pursue any charges against the officers involved in the incident.

The Santa Ana Police Department released a statement expressing condolences for Chavez's family and acknowledging the tragic outcome of the incident. The department also reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability in their interactions with the community.

The case remains under review by the Orange County Coroner's Office to determine the official cause and manner of Chavez's death. The family of Jose Chavez has been encouraged to contact the Coroner's Office with any questions or concerns they may have regarding the investigation.

This incident has sparked community discussions about police use of force, mental health response, and the importance of accurate reporting during high-stress situations involving law enforcement. The Santa Ana Police Department and other local organizations have pledged to continue working on initiatives aimed at improving communication and understanding between law enforcement and the community.