California DOJ Declines Charges in Long Beach Shooting
State investigators found insufficient evidence to charge a police officer in the 2024 fatal shooting of a teenager.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The California Department of Justice will not file criminal charges against a Long Beach police officer involved in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old. Officials determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove the use of force was unlawful.
Why it matters
The investigation was mandated by Assembly Bill 1506, which requires state intervention in cases involving police use of force resulting in death. Prosecutors concluded the officer's actions did not warrant criminal charges after a comprehensive review.
The California Department of Justice concluded its investigation under Assembly Bill 1506, resulting in no criminal charges filed against Officer Marco Lopez.
The players
California Department of Justice
This state agency is responsible for investigating police shootings that result in death under the requirements of Assembly Bill 1506.
Marco Lopez
He is the police officer who fired the single shot that resulted in the death of Brandon Salgado.
Brandon Salgado
He was a 17-year-old who died after being shot by police following a reported confrontation on Cerritos Avenue.
The details
Officer Marco Lopez fired a single shot at Brandon Salgado after the teen allegedly raised an Airsoft pistol toward officers. The incident followed an hour of negotiations at a home on the 6800 block of Cerritos Avenue, where Salgado had demanded property from residents.
Timeline
The fatal shooting of Brandon Salgado occurred on April 26, 2024.
The California DOJ announced the decision to file no charges on October 27, 2026.
Legal Context
The investigation follows the protocols of Assembly Bill 1506, which mandates state-level oversight in cases involving lethal police force. This case represents a standard outcome under the current legislative framework for officer-involved shootings in California.
The closure of this investigation resolves a pending state-level case in the Long Beach community. Local residents can expect no further active legal proceedings regarding this specific incident.
The takeaway
The California Department of Justice investigation found that the officer's use of force did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution. Authorities emphasize that the presence of an imitation firearm contributed to the outcome of the fatal encounter.
Further reading
For more information on local oversight, visit Law Enforcement.
