Walnut Creek Police Department Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage from February Officer-Involved Shooting
Walnut Creek, CA — The Walnut Creek Police Department released body-worn camera (BWC) footage related to the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 26, 2026, in the area of Buena Vista and Alvarado Avenues.
The release of this footage is part of the City’s commitment to transparency and is consistent with California law governing the disclosure of critical incident video.
Prior to today’s public release, the Department offered the opportunity for the individual’s family to privately view the footage. The City recognizes the deep personal nature of this loss and extends its continued condolences to the family and loved ones.
The video footage includes portions of the officers’ response to a report of an individual looking into homes and vehicles shortly after midnight, their encounter with a person holding what appeared to be a firearm, and the events that followed. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, as the footage contains graphic and sensitive content.
“This remains a tragic incident for everyone involved,” said Chief of Police Ryan Hibbs. “Releasing this footage is an important step in providing transparency to our community. While the video footage shows part of what occurred, the full review includes additional evidence and analysis that are being examined through the investigative process.”
Mayor Kevin Wilk added, “Our community continues to feel the weight of this loss. We are committed to openness and accountability, and we ask that the community approach this footage with care and respect for all involved.”
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is continuing to conduct an independent investigation under the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol. The Walnut Creek Police Department is also conducting an internal administrative review.
The officers, Corporal Nick Michels (identified as Officer #2 in the video) and Officer Mike Lee (identified as Officer #1 in the video), are no longer on administrative leave due to this incident.
Fell sorry for Officer, . . . . . . ended up taking a life.
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Failure to comply with orders of sworn law enforcement personnel
can and likely will ruin your day. Pointing a .50 CAL or a BB pistol
at law enforcement, a good chance you’ll forfeit your existence.
As investigation continues perhaps more clarity will emerge.
.
Yet additional proof, life is not a scripted mission impossible movie
or a video game you can pause or reset to go raid the fridge.
Terribly sad for all involved.
When an officer tells you to do something, you do it.
Arguments can happen later.
agree …… he was mentally unstable brough on by not taking his meds per his mother. He had a habit of stopping taking them periodically
Professionally done. Thankful for the officers. To the advocates that wanted bodycam videos to show all those bad things the police do. Please review this in detail and see how wrong you’ve been.
Looks like a deliberate “suicide by cop”
There is no way in hell, that I could do a better job as those Officers did that evening.
Point a gun at an Officer= dead bad guy, which is the way it should be.
The main job of all officers, is make it home to their loved ones in one piece.
Good shoot, sorry that you had to experience that, Sir.
Totally agree that these guys did their job.
But why do people say that getting home safe is the main job??? Is that an excuse for those Uvalde police officers who stayed outside the school while kids were being killed? They made it home safely – job well done, I guess…
The difference is these guys did their job, and went home safely. Agreed, the U.V cops dropped the ball, big time.
WHy the foul language?+
DId they learn nothing from Miles Hall lawsuit?
Better training needed in Walnut Creek
Trust me, if you just shot someone your adrenalin is pegged, and you would be shouting out a few M.F.er’s as well.
It wasn’t exactly the time to be polite.