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.
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.
"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.
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.
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

Garmont Tactical Contact Collection: New Duty Boots for Law Enforcement
Choosing the right duty boot can make a significant difference during long shifts. In this video overview, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, introduces the new Contact Collection, designed specifically for law enforcement professionals seeking comfort, traction, and durability.
Read More →
Benchmade Launches Taiga Green Bailout
Benchmade has launched its Taiga Green Bailout, which features an anodized aluminum handle, S90V stainless steel, and Burnt Copper hardware accents.
Read More →
Adept Armor Launches the Nova Titanium Combat Helmet: A Metal Ballistic Helmet at Composite-Helmet Weight
Adept Armor said its new Nova Titanium combat helmet delivers rated 9mm protection at 920 grams all-in, low backface deformation, edge-to-edge coverage, and an indefinite shelf life at roughly a quarter the price of premium polyethylene helmets.
Read More →
5.11 Expands Professional Services Line with Premium, Performance-Driven Scrubs Designed for Healthcare Professionals
The launch of high-performance medical scrubs marks another major expansion of 5.11’s growing Professional Services category, enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to outfit a wide range of roles.
Read More →
SOG Knives Unveils 250th Anniversary Limited Edition Fixed Blade
SOG Knives has debuted its 250th Anniversary Limited Edition SEAL FX Fixed Blade, and only 250 are available. It features an advanced 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade and a tough glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →