An LAPD citywide tactical alert was reported by the local NBC News affiliate.
Ford had “gunshot wounds to the upper right arm possibly in the right and back” and another gunshot wound in the “right abdomen,” according to the coroner’s report. There were also abrasions noted to the posterior surface of the left hand, forearm and elbow.
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) December 28, 2014
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck told reporters Monday that the coroner determined Ford's cause of death was a single gunshot wound.
"There is nothing in coroner's report that is inconsistent with the information given to us by the officers," he said.
The LAPD had previously placed a hold on the autopsy report because they said it might influence witness statements. The hold on the report escalated tensions, however, as many community members saw it as indicative of a lack of transparency in law enforcement.
The LAPD claimed that Ford was walking home when he was approached by two gang squad officers. Ford allegedly tackled one of the officers and attempted to grab his gun. The officer claims that prompted him to fire, while his partner also shot at the young man.
A friend of Ford's family said that, while she witnessed part of the incident, she didn't see a struggle.
Beck said some witnesses have refused to talk to law enforcement, and that the investigation of the officer-involved shooting is ongoing.
— Marcus Yam (@yamphoto) December 29, 2014
He also said that it is unclear whether the officers involved were aware of Ford's mental condition.
"We continue to seek the public's assistance," he said. "This investigation is far from over."
The officers involved have been assigned non-field duties.
Ford was shot two days after the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Ford’s parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the LAPD.
