A narrated video of incidents before police fatally shot a man in southeast Lompoc last month shows him committing multiple crimes, including holding a weapon at the clerk’s head during a robbery.
On Tuesday, the Lompoc Police Department released the narrated video of the incidents leading up to the fatal shooting of Connor Amador, 20, of Lompoc on Dec. 29.
“Making this footage public aligns with our commitment to openness and the community’s right to access information concerning law enforcement actions,” Sgt. Scott Morgan said in announcing the video’s release.
The first robbery occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. Dec. 28 inside the Circle K store, 1421 E. Ocean Ave., where Amador can be seen pointing a gun at the clerk and customers.
He later attempts a carjacking of a small white vehicle parked in front of the store, police said.
Unsuccessful, he re-enters the store, holding the gun against the clerk’s head while getting more money from the cash registers.
He’s also holding a machete, which he used to push a cash register screen off the counter as he leaves the employee area, the video shows.
Holding the machete and gun, the man exits the store as the first officer arrives.
He also attempts to break the glass on the door window of the white car before pointing the firearm at officers.
In another segment of video that included audio, officers can be heard shouting, “Get on the ground. You’re gonna get shot.”
“Hey, don’t reach for the weapon.”
After the fatal shooting early Dec. 29, officers determined the small black weapon that appeared to be a handgun actually was a 4.5 mm BB gun.
Amador also was armed with a 25-inch machete, according to police.
Nearly two weeks ago, police identified Officer Alexander Justice as the officer involved in the shooting.
Justice is a six-year member of the Lompoc Police Department with nine years overall in law enforcement. He remains on paid administrative leave during the shooting investigation.
“We understand the importance of accountability, and we are dedicated to learning from each critical incident to enhance our practices and ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” the police department video’s narrator said.
The circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting remain under investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
As is standard after other similar use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement officers, the District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case to determine whether the shooting was justified.
The video on the Lompoc Police Department’s YouTube page can be viewed by clicking here.