A knife-wielding man who had reportedly been swinging blades at people in public made a deadly choice when Los Angeles County deputies arrived: he charged the first patrol car, stabbed the deputy who stepped out, and was shot.
The newly released body-camera and surveillance footage shows just how fast the June 20 confrontation in Lancaster exploded.
Authorities identified the man as 23-year-old Robert Castro.
One of the released clips shows the moment Castro closes the distance on the deputy, knife in hand:
The call came in at approximately 2:05 p.m. from the 44000 block of Sierra Highway.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators say deputies were responding to a report of an armed man assaulting bystanders with multiple knives. The agency’s preliminary summary places the confrontation at approximately 2:05 p.m. in the 44000 block of Sierra Highway.
Shortly after the patrol units arrived, Castro allegedly rushed toward the first deputy and began stabbing him. The deputy fired his service weapon, striking Castro and knocking him to the ground.
LASD says a second deputy-involved shooting occurred moments later. The released footage shows the second deputy repeatedly ordering Castro not to move and not to reach toward the knife before firing.
Deputies then rendered medical aid until Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel arrived. Castro was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The wounded deputy was also taken to a hospital and admitted for treatment of the stab wound. No other deputies or bystanders were injured.
Investigators recovered a knife with an approximately six-inch blade that they believe was used in the stabbing, along with additional knives at the scene.
LASD identified the second deputy who fired as Brett Schwindt. The agency also stressed that the criminal investigation remains open and that its account could change as witnesses are interviewed, evidence is analyzed, and reports are reviewed.
The California Department of Justice’s Police Shooting Investigation Team deployed to the scene after local authorities reported the fatal shooting.
Here is the full LASD critical incident briefing. Viewer discretion is advised:
ABC7 Eyewitness News reports that the released dispatch audio begins with a concerned caller describing a man swinging knives in public. The station says the footage was released Tuesday and combines the 911 call, surveillance video, and the deputies’ body-camera views.
Surveillance footage then shows three sheriff’s vehicles arriving as Castro walks across the parking lot. According to investigators, the body-camera video captures Castro removing a knife from his pocket before charging the first deputy.
The local report says a second deputy opened fire and then checked on his wounded partner, who was bleeding from the stab wound. Authorities said Castro possessed three knives at the time of the confrontation.
The deputy survived and received hospital treatment. Castro died after he was transported for emergency care.
ABC7 also reports that the second deputy checked on his wounded partner after the shooting. The video then shows him issuing repeated commands as Castro moved a hand toward the knife on the ground.
The outlet confirmed that California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office announced an independent state investigation. After that work is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Special Prosecutions Section for review.
The local breaking report confirmed the deputy’s survival and the fatal outcome:
Bodycam video shows fatal shooting of suspect who stabbed deputy in Lancaster, LASD says https://t.co/mZhlPskfKB
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 29, 2026
CBS Los Angeles reported after the original incident that the deputy’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the attack was a stark reminder that deputies step into unpredictable and rapidly evolving situations while protecting their communities. He also expressed gratitude that the wounded deputy would be able to return home to his loved ones.
The California Department of Justice deployed its Police Shooting Investigation Team and will conduct an independent review under state law. Once that investigation is complete, the findings will go to the DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section.
The video makes the central fact impossible to miss: the first deputy had only seconds to react after Castro charged him and drove a knife into him.
Police officers are not required to absorb another stab wound while waiting to see whether an armed attacker will stop. Castro brought a knife to a gunfight, and the consequences were final.
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport. View the original article here.
