LAPD Video: Realistic-Looking Projectile Launcher Fired at Cops Leads to OIS
Los Angeles police released video of when a man fired what appeared to be a handgun at officers and they returned fire. Once the man was in custody, it was revealed that he shot at cops with a .50-caliber projectile launcher. Nobody was injured.

A man fired what appeared to be a handgun, prompting an officer to return fire.
LAPD YouTube video screenshot
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred when a man opened fire with a .50-caliber projectile launcher that had the appearance of a handgun. The police department released video of the exchange and provided details.
Patrol officers, on Feb. 20, responded to the report of an assault with a deadly weapon at an apartment complex. Upon arrival, the officers spoke with a woman who had contacted 911 and said a male neighbor had pointed a gun at her.
At this point, the man opened his door, pointed what appeared to be a gun at officers, and fired. An officer returned fire at the suspected gunman, who was not struck.
He immediately retreated back into his apartment as the officer fired. Officers broadcast a “shots fired, officer needs help” call and additional officers responded to the scene. After a brief standoff, police contacted the man by telephone he was taken into custody without further incident.
Police discovered what had appeared to be a handgun was a weapon capable of firing .50 caliber rubber balls. A jar of .50 caliber rubber balls was recovered at the scene. Additionally, a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun was also recovered from the man’s apartment.
No officers were injured in the incident.
More Patrol

Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car
Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.
Read More →
Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year
The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.
Read More →From the Show Floor: Axon
Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.
Read More →
Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science
Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.
Read More →
Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation
In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.
Read More →
Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans
Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.
Read More →
WakeMed Campus Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting
A WakeMed Campus Police Officer died after being shot in the lobby of the emergency department at a North Carolina hospital over the weekend.
Read More →
Video Shows Barricaded Suspect Fall Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody
Deputies in Indian River County, Florida, apprehended a suspect after he fell through the ceiling with SWAT members waiting below. The sheriff’s department released video of the apprehension.
Read More →From the Show Floor: T2 Systems
Learn about T2 Systems and its electronic parking enforcement solutions. Retired Chief John Holland outlines the benefits of using such a system to manage parking enforcement.
Read More →
Texas Police Department Adds Reconview Tower
A Texas police chief shares how the Decatur Police Department will use its new Reconview observation tower.
Read More →
