Officer Involved Shooting: JUNE 2, 2019

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CASE 19-17413

SUMMARY

On Sunday, June 2, 2019, Walnut Creek Police officers were dispatched to the area of Sandra Court after receiving multiple 911 calls regarding a disturbance at this address. The first 911 call was received at 4:41 p.m. The caller said her grandson, later identified as Miles Hall, came into her room and threatened her. The dispatcher could hear a male voice yelling in the background. At 4:42 p.m., Walnut Creek Police received a call from a nearby resident, who said he could hear an argument and possibly a gunshot. At 4:47 p.m., WCPD spoke to a second resident from where the disturbance was occurring. The caller reported her son was being violent and threatened her with a metal pole. The woman said her son had mental health problems and would be aggressive with police. The woman said he broke a sliding glass window and had a metal pole with a pointed end.

Officers arrived to the area of Sandra Court at 4:52 p.m. At 4:53 P.M., WCPD dispatch received another 911 call from another resident on Sandra Court. The caller said a man was pounding on his front door, had a red bandanna over his head and face, and a giant crow bar in his hand.

Officers located Mr. Hall walking towards a resident on Arlene Lane with a long iron pry bar with a pointed end. (The pry bar was later determined to be 4 feet, 11 inches long, and weighed approximately 13.6 pounds.) Officers gave multiple commands to Mr. Hall to drop the pry bar. Mr. Hall ignored those commands, and ran towards the officers with the pry bar in his hand. Mr. Hall continued to run at officers, disregarding several commands by officers to “stop.” One officer shot less-than-lethal kinetic energy rounds (also referred to as bean bags) at Mr. Hall as he continued to run at officers and disregard commands. Mr. Hall was struck by at least three kinetic energy rounds. Mr. Hall continued to run at the officers with the pry bar still in his hand, resulting in two officers firing their handguns. Mr. Hall was struck and fell to the ground, but then attempted to get up. Officers were then able to subdue Mr. Hall, and provided lifesaving measures, including CPR, until paramedics arrived on the scene. Mr. Hall was transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Walnut Creek Police Department immediately commenced a thorough investigation into the June 2 police shooting. The Walnut Creek Police Department’s investigation has been completed, but was not made public until notification was received that the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s investigation had been completed. The additional information below includes a wide variety of reports and other records that are pertinent to the case. The records are being released in accordance with Senate Bill 1421 requirements, and in the interest in providing the public with the fullest extent of information available pertaining to this incident. We recognize much of this information is difficult to read, hear and view.

In the nearly two years since the incident, significant effort has gone into finding ways to prevent similar situations from taking place in Walnut Creek. The City and Police Department have embarked upon a comprehensive review of policies and practices, and expanded public safety training in de-escalation and crisis intervention. Additionally, the City has led an effort to collaborate with the County, which provides behavioral health services to all Contra Costa residents, to expand mobile crisis response options. We are also partnering with other cities and the County to seek additional non-law enforcement response options for those in need of mental health assistance. We encourage you to visit our Equity and Public Safety Initiatives webpage.

Media releases

June 2, 2019 (Initial)
June 5, 2019 (Statement from Chief of Police)
June 14, 2019 (Update)
June 25, 2019 (Update)

Informational Briefing Video June 25, 2019 that includes audio from 911 calls, radio transmissions between officers and dispatch, video from officers’ body-worn cameras and a surveillance camera, as well as additional information.