OCDA clears Santa Ana officers of wrongdoing in 2022 death of 73-year-old man bitten by K-9 dog

The Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) announced on March 15, 2023, that no charges would be filed against the Santa Ana Police Department officers involved in the 2022 fatal encounter with a 73-year-old man named Jose Chavez. The incident occurred on January 15, 2022, when law enforcement responded to reports of a man with a gun near the 1600 block of South Fairview Street in Santa Ana, California.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Chavez, who reportedly matched the description provided in the initial call. According to the OCDA report, Chavez ignored commands from the officers and appeared to be under the influence of drugs or mental health issues. He refused to comply with orders and walked away from the scene, prompting officers to deploy a K-9 unit to apprehend him.

During the pursuit, Chavez allegedly turned and lunged at one of the officers with an unknown object, leading the officer to fear for their safety and release the K-9 to bite him. The incident resulted in Chavez's injury and eventual death due to complications from the bite.

Upon searching Chavez's person and the surrounding area, no weapon was found. The OCDA's investigation included interviews with witnesses and a thorough review of available evidence, including body camera footage from the officers involved. Based on this information, the OCDA determined that there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges against the officers for their actions during the incident.

It is important to note that the investigation did not determine whether Chavez was actually armed at the time of the encounter or if he possessed a weapon prior to the incident. The absence of a weapon at the scene after the confrontation with the K-9 does not necessarily mean that one was not present during the encounter.

The Santa Ana Police Department has not released further details about the incident or the individuals involved, citing ongoing investigations and privacy concerns. The family of Jose Chavez has expressed their disappointment with the decision not to file charges against the officers and has called for transparency and accountability in the case. The investigation remains open, and the OCDA will continue to review any new evidence that may emerge.

In summary, the Orange County District Attorney's Office concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge the Santa Ana Police Department officers involved in the 2022 fatal encounter with Jose Chavez for any criminal wrongdoing. The incident occurred after officers responded to reports of a man with a gun and ultimately deployed a K-9 unit after Chavez ignored commands and appeared to be under the influence or experiencing mental health issues. No weapon was found at the scene following the incident. The investigation remains open, and the family of Jose Chavez has expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision not to file charges against the officers.