Reseda — 40-year-old Alex Canizales was shot and killed by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers in a parking lot outside a 7-Eleven store on December 8, 2025, after officers responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred near Sherman Way and Wilbur Avenue, around midnight, when officers responded to an assault-with-a-deadly-weapon call at the convenience-store location. Upon arrival — with assistance from aerial units — Canizales was found in front of the store. As officers confronted him, an officer-involved shooting took place. Canizales was struck by gunfire, taken into custody, and later pronounced dead. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
At present, the department’s internal review and the relevant prosecutorial investigation remain pending, as standard procedure following any law-enforcement shooting.
Legal Oversight and Use-of-Force Standards
Under California law, the use of lethal force by peace officers is governed by California Penal Code § 835a, which permits deadly force only when the officer reasonably believes it necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury.
In reviewing this case, investigators will examine whether the man’s behavior — as described by police — constituted an immediate, serious threat; whether officers issued commands or attempted de-escalation; whether less-lethal options were feasible; and whether LAPD policies and training were followed.
If it is later determined that the use of force was unreasonable or unjustified under the law, those affected may have grounds for civil-rights or wrongful-death claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
Seeking Accountability for Officer-Involved Shootings
If you witnessed this incident, knew the person involved, or wish to understand your legal rights following a police use-of-force event:
1. Request Public Records
You may request the incident and arrest reports, officer statements, body-worn-camera or patrol-vehicle dashboard-cam video, dispatch and radio logs, forensic reports, and any other materials gathered during the investigation.
2. Preserve Any Evidence You Have
Document your location, what you saw and heard, the time, your vantage point, and any photos or videos you captured at the scene. Notes about what you observed — even sounds, commands, or ambulance arrival — can be important later.
3. Consult With a Civil-Rights Attorney
If you believe the force used was excessive, that department protocols were violated, or that civil rights were infringed, legal options may be available.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a police-involved shooting such as this one involving Alex Canizales, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation or complete our contact form to discuss your case with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
