Homicide Report > Christian Cobian, 26
Christian Cobian, 26
Died Jan. 21, 2012
Christian Cobian, a 26-year-old white man, was fatally shot by sheriff's deputies Saturday, Jan. 21, in the 44200 block of 10th Street West in Lancaster, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Two deputies on patrol attempted to stop Cobian shortly before 11 p.m. near the intersection of 10th Street and Avenue J-4. Officials said Cobian was riding a bicycle without a headlight in a dimly lighted area.
As deputies approached, Cobian dropped his bicycle and ran into the rear of a nearby business. The deputies chased him. The deputies alleged that he reached toward his waistband. Fearing for their safety, they said, they opened fire.
Cobian was pronounced dead at the scene. The deputies were not injured.
Investigators have been unable to find a weapon in the area near where deputies shot Cobian, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.
Officials said Cobian had been a gang member in Inglewood, was wanted on a felony narcotics warrant and was on probation for receiving stolen property. The department also said he had three previous felony convictions.
The shooting remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff’s homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Rick Rojas
- Neighborhood: Lancaster
- Age: 26
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Saturday
- Agency: LASD Homicide
- Race/Ethnicity: White
- Circumstance: Officer-involved
Nine reader comments about Christian Cobian
This was a blatant case of police misconduct.
Failing to have a light on a bicycle should never be a cause for the police to stop anyone, let alone get executed for it.
And not finding a gun on the deceased also sheds some serious questions about whether the police are telling the truth.
Jan. 23, 2012 at 11:15 a.m.
Another young man shot by police in an apparent "waistband shooting". According to our local newspaper AV Press, he "moved his hand toward his waistband and deputies feared he was reaching for a gun". NO gun was found. It is shocking how many deputy involved shootings have happened lately. My condolences to the family.
Jan. 24, 2012 at 9:05 p.m.
Chased him down like a dog and killed him. Poor kid.
Jan. 27, 2012 at 12:57 a.m.
Same story everytime. Those cops murdered this man! And there is NO WEAPON! Because the man had HAD NO WEAPON! same story by police over and over
Jan. 27, 2012 at 9:01 p.m.
Another Inglewood 13 gang member ?... Rest in Peace
Jan. 29, 2012 at 2:02 a.m.
What Happen to The 3 strike law...????
Jan. 29, 2012 at 5:06 a.m.
Police train too much that they feel like killing people and they always have a stupid answer, maybe this kid didn't even touch his waist but cops argue that what we can do? I feel sick tired of corrupt police killing people for no reason, How come in SO,Central L>A they see felons walking on the street and they dont even look at them but cop are so good biting inmates and abusing of citizens on the street... this concert people we should do something,protest
Jan. 29, 2012 at 8:22 p.m.
"The deputies alleged that he reached toward his waistband", the typical excuse cops use when they kill someone!
Jan. 31, 2012 at 10:07 a.m.
The famous "The deputies alleged that he reached toward his waistband" statement from cops when they kill an unarmed suspect. This is an outrage!
Feb. 21, 2012 at 10:43 a.m.
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