Footage released on Friday shows the terrifying incident in Woodland Hills and Calabasas where a homeless man attacked someone with a machete and was later shot by police. The incident occurred on Nov. 1 and the suspect, Benjamin Pritchard, was pronounced dead at the scene. The police believe he may have been under the influence of drugs. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will determine if the use of force was justified. No officers or witnesses were harmed. Marc Sternfield reported
The video footage released on Friday provides a horrifying glimpse into the events that unfolded in the streets of Woodland Hills and Calabasas. It all began when a homeless man, later identified as Benjamin Pritchard, viciously attacked someone with a machete outside a McDonald’s restaurant near Mulholland Drive and the 101 Freeway. The victim managed to escape and called 911 for help, recounting the terrifying ordeal to the dispatcher.
In the call, the victim expressed concern about the growing issue of homelessness, stating, “We need to get in control of these homeless people.” Fortunately, the victim did not sustain serious injuries and did not require medical attention.
Meanwhile, Pritchard dropped the machete and began wandering aimlessly through the parking lot of a busy shopping center. When the police arrived, they attempted to apprehend him near the McDonald’s and later near the southbound 101 Freeway onramp. Dash camera footage from the Los Angeles Police Department shows officers trying to stop Pritchard, who then charges at their SUV with a knife, striking the vehicle before fleeing.
Pritchard continued running along Calabasas Road, passing by the Motion Picture & Television Fund complex, until he reached the parking lot of the Sagebrush Cantina, a popular restaurant and music venue in Old Town Calabasas. Realizing the danger posed by Pritchard, an officer used the SUV’s PA system to instruct everyone inside the restaurant to lock the doors and stay safe.
The violent end to the ordeal was captured by security cameras and police body-worn cameras. Pritchard emerged from the restaurant’s patio area, brandishing a bottle and a knife. Despite an officer’s attempt to subdue him with a Taser, which proved ineffective, Pritchard refused to drop the knife. Multiple officers then opened fire, fatally shooting Pritchard, who collapsed to the ground. Thankfully, no officers or witnesses were harmed during the incident.
According to the police, Pritchard was originally from San Diego County. While the toxicology report has not yet been released, officers believe that he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will review the case to determine if the use of deadly force by the officers was justified.
In conclusion, the release of the video footage sheds light on the horrifying sequence of events that unfolded in Woodland Hills and Calabasas. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both the homeless population and the law enforcement officers tasked with maintaining public safety..