An alleged assault victim who called paramedics for help Thursday night at his Long Beach home was shot by a responding officer when he refused to drop a meat cleaver he was holding, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
The officer responded to the 300 block of East Sunset Street in North Long Beach on Thursday, November 26 at 11:19PM to assist Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) personnel, authorities said.
According to a preliminary investigation, the officer walked to the front of the residence when a man exited the home holding a meat cleaver “in a threatening manner and confronted the officer.”
The man, identified as 45-year-old Long Beach resident Hung Doan Nguyen, allegedly refused to comply to several commands from the officer to drop the weapon and an officer-involved shooting ensued, officials said.
Nguyen was transported to a local hospital in stable condition and the meat cleaver was recovered from the scene. The officer was not injured.
Authorities said Nguyen called 9-1-1 and told the dispatcher he was the victim of an assault and required paramedics. That report is currently being investigated.
Police have not been able to determine the circumstances, or locate any witnesses regarding the reported assault.
The suspect will be booked on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer.
The shooting will be reviewed by the LBPD and independently investigated by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Photo courtesy of LBPD.
Police are seeking witnesses who may have information about the assault Nguyen reported. Anyone with information about the assault or the officer-involved shooting is urged to contact the Long Beach Police Homicide Detail at 562.570.7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1.800.222.TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.