Richard Joseph Barrett, a 62-year-old male, was fatally shot by a Long Beach Police Department officer on November 1, 2014. The incident occurred in Long Beach, California, following a report of an armed residential robbery in the 300 block of Cherry Avenue. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the possible location of the suspect, where they encountered Barrett.
According to LBPD spokesperson Bradley Johnson, Barrett allegedly attacked officers multiple times with a knife and a crowbar, prompting the officer-involved shooting. Barrett was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene.
Further investigation revealed that Barrett had been a next-door neighbor to the victims for approximately a decade. The residents of the targeted home evacuated the building while Barrett was inside. Reports indicate that Barrett vandalized their property, set a fire, and killed their family dog. Authorities stated that there was no known prior conflict between Barrett and the victims, and the motive behind his actions remained unclear. The officers involved in the shooting were not injured, and an autopsy was pending at the time of reporting.
The LBPD barricaded the surrounding blocks following the shooting, and a knife was recovered at the scene. The investigation into the incident was ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Barrett's actions and the police response. No additional suspects were reported in connection with the case.
