This compilation of police and security footage, provided by Los Angeles County, shows the moment when a man under suspicion of violating a protective order intentionally slams his vintage Pontiac into a patrol car, then rushes the deputies with a knife. He is shot and killed, and therefore viewer’s discretion is advised.

40-year-old Jose Acosta was being investigated for violating a protective order regarding his ex-girlfriend, who alerted the police. LA County deputies observed Acosta driving and began to follow him. Here,we see security footage of Acosta at an intersection. Two cruisers are behind him, to the right of frame. At 0:05, he throws his 1970s (specific model year not given) Pontiac into reverse and slams into the patrol cars, ending up with his tail end on top of the car in the furthest lane from the camera.

We transition to bodycam footage at 0:15. It captures the moment of impact, including the deployment of the airbags. Then, at 0:39, the footage cuts to a deputy in the other car. At 0:57, he warns Acosta to put his hands up. Acosta bails out of the muscle car at 01:01, and rushes the deputy, knife in-hand. This maneuver ends the way it often does when charging LEOs who have already drawn pistols. A third officer’s perspective of the same shoot begins at 01:29.

The deputy involved in the collision was treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, but Acosta was declared dead on-scene, despite aid rendered by police and paramedics. He was found to be in possession of a 3-inch bladed knife. No other persons or classic muscle cars were harmed in the incident.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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