Mharloun Saycon, a 39-year-old resident of Carson, California, was shot and killed by Long Beach police on December 14, 2015, during an incident at Looff's Lite-A-Line arcade in Long Beach. The police responded to a call about a man wielding a knife at the arcade, where witnesses reported Saycon acting erratically. Upon arrival, officers found Saycon holding a switchblade and attempted to use non-lethal means, including a Taser and baton, to subdue him.
When Saycon reportedly did not comply with orders and made a movement that officers perceived as threatening, Officer Vuong Nguyen fired multiple shots, ultimately killing Saycon on the spot.
Saycon's family claimed that he suffered from mental illness, including bipolar schizophrenia, and that he posed no real threat during the incident. They argued that Saycon had not stood up or charged the officers, and the knife he held was reportedly closed and on his lap during much of the encounter. His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that excessive force had been used by the police. In the end, the city of Long Beach reached a settlement with the family for $2 million, though the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office ultimately determined that the shooting was justified under the circumstances.
The incident was controversial, with conflicting reports from the family and the police about Saycon's actions leading up to his death. The family described Saycon as a gentle person who was experiencing a mental health crisis, and they sought justice to prevent similar outcomes for others dealing with mental health challenges in confrontations with police. The officer involved, Vuong Nguyen, was found to have acted within reason for self-defense, although the District Attorney noted that the decision was a "close call" given the lack of clear video evidence and the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The family continued to press for accountability and awareness about the importance of proper handling of mental health crises by law enforcement personnel.
The incident highlighted broader concerns about the use of force by police officers and the handling of individuals experiencing mental health crises, as well as the need for improved de-escalation practices by law enforcement. The tragic outcome left a significant impact on Saycon's family and raised questions about police practices in similar situations.
