The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office (DNSO) has released body-worn camera (BWC) footage of the deputy-involved shooting of 38-year-old Robert Anderson. The incident began at approximately 2:45 p.m. on August 25, 2021 when the California Highway Patrol and the DNSO responded to a 911 call at Parkway Drive and Sherwood Lane in Del Norte County, California.

As responding deputies arrived in the area, Anderson was armed with a large knife. Per the deputies command to drop the weapon, Anderson obliged and disarmed himself for a few minutes while he and the deputies communicated back and forth. Giving further commands to Anderson, one deputy requested he move himself a few steps away from the knife. Anderson questioned the deputies request, arguing with the fact that deputies were armed with guns and tasers.

After a brief silence from Anderson, he yelled to a female subject located off camera screen, "are you recording baby?". Seconds later, Anderson bends down, reacquired the large knife and lunged directly at one deputy. In response, Anderson was then shot by the deputies, ultimately neutralizing him from causing any further harm.

Deputies performed first aid until Del Norte Ambulance arrived. Anderson’s gunshot wounds proved fatal. No law enforcement officers or civilians were injured during the incident. More information will be released once the investigation is concluded. While this incident is still under investigation, the DNSO is releasing the BWC footage so that the community has all currently available information to understand the use of force by law enforcement officers.