Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

California OIS Suspect Acted Violently, Reached for Spatula

After reaching for the handle of the object in his waistband, Moran began to move towards the officers and began to pull the metal object from his waist in a threatening manner. Officers Robert Laxton, a 7-year veteran, and Joseph Lamantia, a two-year officer, then shot him.

September 8, 2010
2 min to read


The Modesto (Calif.) Police Department has released additional information details about an officer-involved shooting on Monday involving an intoxicated suspect fatally shot when he reached for a metal spatula.

At 12:08 a.m. Monday, Modesto officers responded to multiple 911 calls from a residence reporting a domestic disturbance. The calls reported that a 45-year-old man identified as Francisco Moran was intoxicated and armed with a knife.

Ad Loading...

"This is a very tragic event for everyone involved," said Chief Michael Harden. "The family of Moran and the officers involved have all been affected by the actions of Mr. Moran."

The incident began, according to investigators, when Moran arrived home Sunday evening intoxicated and angry. He acted belligerently toward several of the home's other seven occupants, who called 911, according to police.

Moran went to the kitchen and retrieved a metal object from the air-dry dish rack, next to the kitchen sink, and placed the object in his rear waistband. A family member knew there was a large butcher knife in the rack, and believed Moran had retrieved it.

A male resident attempted to calm Moran, who pushed him toward the ground, causing an injury that required hospitalization.

Modesto Police officers Robert Laxton, Joseph Lamantia, Bradley Peterson arrived at the residence.

Ad Loading...

The officers approached the home to find the front door open and heard loud commotion inside. When the officers entered the living room of the home, family members began yelling that Moran had a knife. Officers then saw the injured senior citizen on the living room floor.

Officers immediately began to order Moran to show his hands and get on the ground. Officers noticed the handle of a large object protruding from the back of Moran's waistband.

When Moran failed to comply with officers' commands, Peterson, a four-year veteran, hit Moran with his TASER, which didn't immobilize him.

After reaching for the handle of the object in his waistband, Moran began to move towards the officers and began to pull the metal object from his waist in a threatening manner. Officers Robert Laxton, a 7-year veteran, and Joseph Lamantia, a two-year officer, then shot him.

Once Moran was handcuffed, officers immediately began to provide medical aid until paramedics arrived. Moran was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ad Loading...

Investigators have determined the metal object Moran had retrieved from the air-dry dish rack was a large shiny metal spatula.

The officers were not injured and have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure after officers are involved in a shooting incident.

More Patrol

graphic honoring fallen law enforcement officers featuring a uniformed officer holding a folded American flag, with bold text reading “2026 Roll Call of Heroes” and “363 Fallen Officers Honored,” alongside the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund logo.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Read More →
Graphic honoring New York City Police Department officers as “Officer of the Month” for March 2026. The image features portraits of Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro alongside department and recognition text.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month

Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.

Read More →
Infographic summarizing results from a national survey on policing reputation. Ten key findings cover public trust, communication, demographics, media influence, local policing, AI concerns, and emergency response, using charts, icons, and statistics throughout.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today

A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Product image of a Streamlight TLR-7 X tactical flashlight on a dark background. The compact black weapon-mounted light is shown in close-up beneath the Streamlight logo, highlighting its lens, controls, and mounting hardware.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police

The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.

Read More →
poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.
PatrolMay 8, 2026

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

Read More →
Black small medical bag with supplies and a tourniquet at right on a wood table and a large headline at left What Should Be In Your IFAK?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamMay 1, 2026

What Should Be in Your IFAK?

What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
flashlight turn un and submerged in puddle with rain falling.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black

Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.

Read More →
Black tactical helmet with bright explosion behind it to the left, Team Wendy logo top right, and headline Recon Tactical Bump Helmet
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.

Read More →
Black military style leather boot against a blue cobblestone background with a white Garmont Tactical logo.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals

Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Streamlight searchlight and a scene light on a tripod set against a darkened street scene and Streamlight logo across the top.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III

Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.

Read More →