On October 23rd, 2017 Officer Daniel Bristow was assigned to work uniformed patrol in a marked patrol vehicle. He conducted a traffic stop on a white Honda Pilot after he observed the driver talking on a cell phone while driving. The vehicle pulled over on Pleasant Avenue about 1/2 block south of Turner Road in the City of Lodi. As the vehicle came to a stop Officer Bristow noticed a passenger, seated in the rear seat behind the driver, sit up and toss something over the back seat into the cargo area. This passenger was later identified as 35-year-old Matthew David Palaita.
Officer Bristow contacted the driver and almost immediately call for a backup unit. Officer Dominic Carillo was dispatched as his backup. Officer Bristow continued to delay until his backup arrived, as he was uneasy regarding the actions of the backseat passenger.
Upon arrival Officer Carillo attempted to have Palaita step out of the vehicle but he stated he was sick. Palaita suddenly reached his hand over the seat into the rear cargo area where Officer Bristow had previously seen him toss something. Both officers drew their handguns and pointed them at Palaita demanding him to show his hands multiple times. Palaita suddenly exited the vehicle pointing a revolver directly at Officer Carillo. Both officers fired at Palaita who fell to the ground and was unresponsive.
Medical assistance was requested and life-saving measures were stated immediately after Palaita was secured in handcuffs. Lodi Fire Department personnel and members of American Medical Response continued life-saving efforts but Palaita did not survive.
This officer involved shooting investigation was jointly conducted by investigators from the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Investigations Unit, the Lodi Police Department, the San Joaquin County Sheriff-Coroner's Office, and the California Department of Justice in accordance with the San Joaquin County Officer Involved Protocol.
In applying the prevailing legal standards, and based upon the totality of the circumstances, and in light of all the evidence obtained from the investigation, it is the opinion of the District Attorney that the lethal use of force by Officers Bristow and Carillo on October 23, 2017, was justified and no criminal charges are warranted. …...more
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