Upland Police Release Bodycam Footage and Details of Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting
On January 12, 2025, a confrontation between Upland Police officers and 36-year-old Steven Espinoza culminated in a fatal officer-involved shooting. The incident, which unfolded across two locations in Upland, California, began with a 911 call from Espinoza’s sister reporting his erratic behavior and threats of violence. According to the call, Espinoza, under the influence of fentanyl and armed with a knife, had threatened both his family and himself. This incident marked the tragic end of a series of escalating events involving Espinoza, a known gang affiliate with a significant criminal history. The release of body-worn camera footage by the Upland Police Department aims to provide transparency and address misinformation circulating online, particularly on social media platforms.
The sequence of events leading to the shooting began at an apartment complex on the 1300 block of W. Foothill Blvd. at approximately 9:58 a.m. Officers responding to the 911 call encountered Espinoza as he was leaving the apartment and entering his vehicle. A brief vehicle pursuit ensued, leading Espinoza through a nearby gas station before his car overturned. Espinoza then fled on foot into a residential area on the 800 block of N. Mountain Ave., still armed with two knives. Bodycam footage released by the department captures the subsequent pursuit and the escalating tension between officers and Espinoza.
The footage documents officers repeatedly instructing Espinoza to remove his hands from his pockets, a command issued at least seven times. Less-lethal measures, including the deployment of a 40mm launcher, proved ineffective in subduing Espinoza, who continued to reach into his waistband, where the knives were later recovered. Officers, perceiving an immediate threat to themselves and the public, resorted to lethal force. The bodycam footage further shows officers immediately administering medical aid to Espinoza following the shooting. Despite these efforts, Espinoza succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. No officers or bystanders were injured during the incident.
The release of the bodycam footage has been crucial in addressing inaccurate narratives circulating online. Social media platforms, particularly YouTube, have been rife with speculation and misinformation regarding the incident. Some commenters falsely claimed that Espinoza was tased while on the ground, contributing to the perception of excessive force. The Upland Police Department has categorically refuted these claims, clarifying that a taser was never deployed. The sound misinterpreted as a taser in online videos has been identified as originating from Espinoza’s overturned vehicle. The department has emphasized that the bodycam footage clearly shows Espinoza running through a residential area with knives in hand, ignoring repeated commands to show his hands.
Upland Police Chief Marcelo A. Blanco has underscored the department’s commitment to transparency in the wake of this critical incident. The release of the bodycam footage is a testament to this commitment, providing an unedited account of the events leading up to the shooting. The footage offers a clear visual record of the officers’ repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation, their use of less-lethal force, and their provision of immediate medical aid after the shooting. This transparency is deemed vital in maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability.
The incident has brought to light Espinoza’s extensive criminal history. Identified as an affiliate of the Black Angels gang, a notorious group with a long-standing presence in Ontario, Espinoza had prior charges ranging from attempted murder and drug offenses to petty theft. A criminal protective order had also been issued against him. Espinoza’s sister’s warning to dispatch about his potentially combative behavior aligns with his actions during the encounter with police. Independent investigations by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office are currently underway, alongside an internal administrative review by the Upland Police Department to assess compliance with departmental policies. Authorities have pledged to release further updates as the investigations progress. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers inherent in law enforcement, and the ongoing need for transparency and accountability.