Sunday, August 15, 2021

Video Released in Fatal Shooting of Stabbing Suspect by Deputies in Altadena

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released video footage Sunday stemming from the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding man in Altadena that took place shortly after the suspect had  beaten and stabbed an elderly woman in a seemingly random attack in Altadena last January.

Allen Mirzayan, 48, described as a U.S. Army Veteran from Pasadena, died from multiple gunshot wounds following the shooting, which took place just after 4 p.m. on January 10 at Lincoln Avenue and Figueroa Drive, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Video footage taken from multiple sources, including surveillance cameras and deputy body cameras and witness cell phones, captured both the shooting, as well as the attack and confrontation with deputies that preceded it.

Mirzayan walked up to the elderly woman, who was using a walker to make her way  down the sidewalk.

Without any apparent reason, “[Mirzayan] can be seen knocking the elderly woman to the ground, where he kicked and stabbed her before crossing the street,” sheriff’s officials said in a prepared statement issued Sunday.

A witness flagged down a passing deputy and pointed out the suspect, who was standing in the street and still clutching a knife, sheriff’s officials said in a prepared statement issued Sunday.

Officials said Mirzayan then began attacking the side of the deputy’s SUV with the knife, at times also holding the blade to his own throat.

Video released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department depicts the circumstances surrounding a fatal shooting of a knife-wielding suspect by deputies in Altadena on Jan. 10, 2021. (Credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.)

Two additional deputies arrived on scene and joined the first in trying to detain the man, video shows.

“Despite repeated commands by deputies to drop the knife, Mirzayan advanced toward the deputies with the knife and a deputy-involved shooting occurred,” according to the statement.

Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

The elderly woman was hospitalized for treatment of stab wounds, as well as a broken hip, Lt. Barry Hall of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau said.

Allen Mirzayan, 48, of Pasadena is pictured in a photo provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Mirzayan’s only prior criminal conviction was for DUI, officials said.

A motive for the alleged stabbing was not clear. The investigation was ongoing, including the result of toxicology results to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role. 

As is common practice with shootings involving sheriff’s deputies in Los Angeles County, simultaneous investigations are being conducted by both the sheriff’s department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Related:

Stabbing Suspect Fatally Shot by Deputies in Altadena Identified as Pasadena Man

Man Fatally Shot After Stabbing Woman, Charging Deputies With Knife in Altadena: Officials