The Irvine Police Department on Friday released bodycam footage showing the moments leading up to officers fatally shooting a 37-year-old autistic man who was carrying a knife, footage that has since drawn national attention and scrutiny over police interactions with disabled individuals.
The video, which authorities confirmed shows events from earlier this month in an Irvine neighborhood, depicts officers encountering Ryan M. Smith as they responded to calls about a man walking through the community while armed with a blade.
Background
Police were dispatched to the area near University Drive after residents reported seeing Smith walking with what appeared to be a large knife, according to the Irvine Police Department. Bodycam footage released shows officers approaching Smith slowly and repeatedly instructing him to drop the weapon as he walked away from them through a residential street.
The footage captures roughly four minutes of interaction before officers discharged their weapons after what appears to be Smith turning toward the responding officers while still holding the knife, authorities said in a statement accompanying the release. Smith, who family members say was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and had difficulty communicating under stress, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Irvine Police Department initially declined to release the footage but reversed course after public pressure and requests from Smith's family attorney, who argued transparency was necessary given the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Investigation
The Orange County District Attorney's Office has confirmed it is reviewing the incident as part of its standard protocol for officer-involved shootings. The California Department of Justice may also become involved, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Irvine police have declined to identify the officers involved pending the conclusion of the investigation but stated both were on duty at the time and had undergone crisis intervention training within the past year.
Smith's family has retained attorney David L. Owens, who in a statement called for a thorough and independent investigation. "Ryan was a gentle soul who struggled with communication due to his autism," Owens said. "We are demanding answers about why de-escalation techniques were not more aggressively pursued."
No witnesses have come forward publicly beyond the bodycam footage, though investigators continue to review any available surveillance video from nearby homes.
Key Takeaways
- Ryan M. Smith, 37, was shot and killed by Irvine police after officers responded to reports of a knife-wielding suspect
- Bodycam footage released shows nearly four minutes of interaction before shots were fired
- Smith's family says he had autism spectrum disorder and difficulty processing verbal commands under stress
- The Orange County District Attorney is reviewing the incident as part of standard officer-involved shooting protocol
- Police say they attempted to communicate with Smith before using lethal force
What's Next
The Orange County DA's review is expected to take several weeks. Smith's family has indicated plans to push for additional footage and radio transmissions to be released, arguing full transparency will demonstrate whether officers followed department protocols.
A community vigil is being organized by local advocates who say the case highlights broader concerns about police training for encounters with disabled individuals. The Irvine City Council may also discuss the incident in closed session as part of its oversight responsibilities over the Police Department.