Body camera footage reveals the deadly moments that led Richmond police officers to shoot and kill a mentally ill veteran last week.
Richmond Police Department on Monday released body camera video and 911 audio from the August 4 shooting that resulted in the death of 27-year-old Angel Montaño, a Marine Reserve officer. According to KTVU, authorities said officers attempted de-escalation tactics before two officers fired their weapons when Montaño charged at them while holding two knives.
Family members had called 911 at 5 p.m., reporting that Montaño was threatening them with a knife and experiencing a mental health crisis. The 911 caller, identified as Montaño's brother, told dispatchers that Montaño wanted to kill him and their mother.
Emergency Call Reveals Family's Fear
The 911 audio captures the brother's desperate plea for help as the situation escalated inside their Richmond home. "My brother became aggressive… he has mental issues," the caller is heard saying during the emergency call. "He wants to kill me and my mother."
During the call, family members can be heard trying to calm Montaño, with voices saying, "Angel, please put down the knife." The audio provides crucial context about the family's immediate fear and the circumstances that prompted the police response. Lt. Donald Patchin, a department spokesperson, explained that officers believed there was an immediate threat to the safety of people inside the home.
The body camera footage shows officers approaching the open front door of the residence where they encountered Montaño holding a knife in each hand. Police remained at the scene for seven minutes attempting de-escalation methods while waiting for less-lethal options to arrive. The video captures the moment Montaño ran toward officers with the two knives as they repeatedly shouted commands for him to stop.
Officer's Previous Shooting Incidents Raise Questions
One of the officers involved in the shooting, Nicholas Remick, has a controversial history with previous incidents during his less than three years on the force. Remick is currently under investigation for a February police shooting involving an unarmed suspect. The California Department of Justice is leading that investigation after it was determined the suspect did not actually have a weapon, as initially believed.
Despite being placed on administrative leave following the February 4 incident, Remick was reinstated just two weeks later, on February 20, after a mental health screening. Police Chief Bisa French has the authority under department policy to reinstate officers following such screenings. Remick also faces civil litigation for a 2024 physical altercation that reportedly left a suspect severely injured.
The second officer involved in the Montaño shooting was identified as Stocking, though the department has not disclosed how many shots were fired in total. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. The police union has defended Remick's reinstatement and criticized media coverage of his previous incidents.
Family Disputes Police Response Methods
Montaño's family members have expressed disagreement with how officers handled the mental health crisis that led to the fatal shooting. His cousin, Adrian Maciel, told reporters last week that officers should not have opened fire on the veteran who was struggling with mental health issues. The family has declined to provide additional comments and has retained legal representation.
Family members emphasized that Montaño was a veteran who had been suffering from mental health problems leading up to the incident. They questioned whether the situation could have been resolved without deadly force, given Montaño's military service and mental health struggles. The shooting has raised broader questions about police responses to mental health crises in the community.
Police Chief Bisa French acknowledged the complex nature of mental health emergencies during Monday's news conference. "I do hope there will be conversations around legislation and laws to get the people who actually need mental health assistance the help that they need so that we do not end up in these types of situations," French said.
Investigation Continues as Community Seeks Answers
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office is conducting an investigation into the shooting alongside Richmond PD's Investigations Bureau. The dual investigation will examine whether the officers' use of deadly force was justified, given the circumstances of the mental health emergency. Both agencies will review the body camera footage, 911 audio, and witness statements as part of their comprehensive investigation.
The Richmond Police Officers Association released a statement defending the officers' actions and criticizing media coverage of the incident. President Benjamin Therriault urged the public to review the complete footage before making judgments about the officers' response. "We urge the public and the media to review the footage in full before rushing to judgment, and we call for fair, fact-based reporting that respects due process and officer safety," Therriault said.
The shooting highlights ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when responding to mental health crises and the need for specialized training and resources. The investigation's findings will likely influence future discussions about police protocols for handling similar situations involving individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.
