By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-30 19:06:19 | Updated at 2026-07-30 20:06:02
1 hour ago
Santa Ana police released startling bodycam footage Wednesday showing the moments a 15-year-old armed with a knife lunged at officers before he was fatally shot.
The video, captured from two officers’ body cameras, shows their response to a 911 call in the 3400 block of South Main Street at about 10:26 p.m. on June 14.
Outside the apartment, officers encounter a 53-year-old man suffering from a stab wound. The man, who was dating the teen’s mother, says he wrestled a knife away from 15-year-old Jayden Michaca and tells officers Jayden had a history of drug and alcohol use.
The man warns officers that Jayden’s mother is still inside with him. As shouting erupts from the apartment, she can be heard yelling in Spanish, “¡Deja el cuchillo!” — “Put down the knife.”
As tensions escalated, officers pounded on the door as the teen shouted, “I want to f—ing die.”
With their guns drawn, the officers prepared to force entry. One kicked the door open and announced their presence.
Jayden then emerged holding a knife, prompting the officers to back away while repeatedly ordering him to drop the weapon. When they reopened the door moments later, he was still clutching what police said was the second of two knives recovered at the scene.
Despite repeated commands, Jayden made a slashing motion before retreating out of view.
“I’m going to get f—ing shot by them right now,” he is heard saying.
“Hey, brother, we’re here to help,” one officer pleaded. “Just drop the knife.”
Jayden again responded, “I want to get shot,” as his mother continued yelling in the background.
Police said Jayden then “rapidly lunged and advanced toward the officers while armed with a knife,” prompting both officers to open fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jayden’s mother was injured and treated at the scene, while the stabbing victim was taken to a hospital.
Police said officers had previously responded to the apartment over reports of assault and criminal threats.
Santa Ana Police Commander Gary Cuoso said the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will review the shooting for any potential criminal conduct, while the department’s Internal Affairs unit conducts its own investigation.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, Cuoso said.
Jayden’s family is suing the city of Santa Ana, according to KTLA, alleging the officers used unjustified deadly force. They claimed they were seeking officers from the city’s Psychiatric Emergency Response Team.
“What I’m asking for today is justice for my son. He did not deserve to die the way he did,” said Maribel Michaca, Jayden’s mother, in June. “He was a loving child and had plans for the future to become a mechanic.”
“But on this occasion, those police officers didn’t care,” she continued. “They didn’t do anything — they just went and shot him in front of my eyes.”
The bodycam release notes that the man made the only 911 call and “did not request or reference the need for mental health intervention.”
