Unintentional Head Strike with Impact Device NRF010-21dm

Hollywood: On the afternoon of March 13, 2021, several hundred protestors gathered in Hollywood Division to march in honor of Breonna Taylor. As the march progressed into the evening, protestors blocked various intersections, and multiple incidents of vandalism occurred to local businesses. Around 9:25 p.m., a request for additional police personnel was requested at Vine Street and Lexington Avenue due to a large crowd of protestors that had overtaken the intersection. As officers arrived and formed into skirmish lines, several protestors began launching fireworks and throwing objects at the officers, resulting in a call for help being broadcast.

Moments later, suspect Benson Williams was observed by officers preparing to throw what has been described as a possible computer tower toward the direction of the skirmish line. In response to Williams’ actions, an officer deployed a beanbag round and inadvertently struck Williams on the forehead. The item thrown by Williams struck and injured two officers. Williams fled the scene on foot and was spotted several blocks away by responding officers. A foot pursuit ensued, and Williams was ultimately taken into custody in the area of Cahuenga Boulevard and Fountain Avenue. Williams was positively identified as the person who threw the possible computer tower at officers and was arrested and booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer.

Williams sustained a laceration to his forehead as a result of the less-lethal deployment. He was transported to a local hospital where he received multiple stitches. Two officers received minor injuries as a result of the item thrown by Williams. The officers were treated at a local hospital and later released.

Force Investigation Division detectives responded and are investigating this incident.