A California officer in the Ventura County town of Oxnard has been identified as the man involved in an police-related shooting late last month.
Officer Daniel Oncea of the Oxnard Police Department shot 30-year-old Joel Tapia Jr. while the latter attempted to wrestle the firearm away from Oncea during their 2 1/2 minute struggle.
Tapia was wanted on several outstanding warrants and was confronted when Oncea recognized him.
After being shot in the ensuing struggle, Tapia fled to a mobile home, where he was engaged in a standoff with police for several hours.
Charged by the county DA with three felony offenses including forcefully resisting arrest, battery causing injury to a police officer and attempting to take an officer’s firearm, Tapia was hauled into court on Friday, where he was seen wearing a bandage on his arm.
According to the VC Star, Tapia had several warrants for his arrest relating to theft, drugs, alcohol and resisting arrest. He reportedly pleaded not guilty for a previous charge, as well as the charges involving his fight with Oncea.
Following the shooting, Officer Oncea was placed on administrative leave, as is protocol in the aftermath of an officer-involved shooting. Following the melee with Tapia, he was treated for minor injuries.
Tapia could face over eight years in jail if convicted.
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