California DOJ Declined Charges in LAPD Shooting
The state cleared an officer in the 2024 death of Jason Maccani, while Los Angeles settled a civil rights lawsuit for $5.8 million.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The California Department of Justice will not pursue criminal charges against an LAPD officer involved in the February 2024 fatal shooting of Jason Maccani. The city has agreed to pay a $5.8 million settlement to resolve a civil rights lawsuit filed by the family of the 36-year-old.
Why it matters
Assembly Bill 1506 mandates state-level investigations into officer-involved shootings of unarmed civilians to ensure impartiality. State investigators determined the evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer acted without the intent to defend himself or others.
The California Department of Justice found insufficient evidence for criminal prosecution after investigating the officer-involved shooting. The City of Los Angeles simultaneously finalized a $5.8 million civil rights settlement.
The players
California Department of Justice
This state agency is responsible for investigating all officer-involved shootings that result in the death of an unarmed civilian in California.
Caleb Garcia-Alamilla
He is a Central Division LAPD officer who was involved in the fatal shooting of Jason Maccani.
Jason Maccani
The 36-year-old was fatally shot by police inside a warehouse on Towne Avenue in February 2024.
Los Angeles Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Los Angeles and its various divisions.
The details
On February 3, 2024, officers responded to a warehouse in the 600 block of Towne Avenue where Jason Maccani allegedly held a female officer against a wall with a sharp object at her neck. Officers fired less-lethal beanbag and 40 mm rounds before Officer Caleb Garcia-Alamilla used lethal force against Maccani, who held a plastic fork at the time.
Timeline
February 3, 2024: Jason Maccani died following a police shooting.
February 2024: The Maccani family filed a $20 million damages claim.
October 13, 2026: The California DOJ announced its decision to decline criminal charges.
Legal Context
This case was investigated under the protocols of Assembly Bill 1506, which mandates state-level review for officer-involved shootings. Such investigations represent the state's effort to provide neutral oversight in high-profile incidents involving local law enforcement agencies.
The settlement payment marks the conclusion of the civil litigation regarding the city's liability in the incident. While the criminal investigation is closed, the outcome highlights the ongoing tension between police use-of-force policies and community safety in the Downtown Los Angeles area.
The takeaway
The California Department of Justice maintains that there is insufficient evidence to pursue criminal prosecution in this case. Residents should be aware that while criminal proceedings are finished, civil settlements are independent of the state's legal findings regarding officer intent.
Further reading
For more details on police oversight in the region, visit the Law Enforcement section.
