Los Angeles Is Bracing For Unrest Ahead of Ezell Ford Police Killing Decision

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Update 7:25pm ET: The Police Commission has determined that one LAPD officer involved in the fatal shooting did violate department policy, but the other was justified when he fired his weapon. 

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Commission is set to announce whether the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Ezell Ford will face charges. Ford, a 25-year old black man who was mentally ill, was shot dead on August 11, 2014 in South Los Angeles. His killing sparked protests and debate on police violence, just as similar demonstrations were igniting in Ferguson, Missouri.

On Friday, the LA Times reported, based on unidentified sources involved in the investigation, that the LAPD's internal investigation unit had found the two officers, Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas, were justified in their use of force in Ford's killing. The findings were then submitted to the Los Angeles Police Commission, which functions like a board of directors for the department, setting policies and overseeing operations, for a final review.

The sources also told the LA Times that Ford's DNA was found on one officer's gun, and that he had scratches on his hands, as did one officer. These details would, in theory, substantiate the account presented by the police that Ford had tried to fight them for the weapon. The autopsy report shows that Ford was shot three times.

Officers had approached Ford in August 2014 because he was acting suspicious. After knocking one cop to the ground, Ford allegedly reached for the officer's holstered weapon. Another officer who was still standing fired two shots at Ford, while the fallen cop pulled a backup gun and shot Ford in the back.

Ahead of Tuesday's planned announcement, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti left town. He was confronted on Monday outside his Hancock Park mansion by activists with the #BlackLivesMatter movement as he attempted to drive away from his home.

Garcetti was filmed cajoling protesters through a rolled down car window. He told them that he is traveling to Washington, DC to secure federal funding to tackle homelessness, and that he would meet with them upon his return.

The city is bracing itself in anticipation of anti-police brutality protests following the announcement expected later today.

Barricades surround LAPD HQ; Ruling expected on whether 2 officers were justified in Ezell Ford's shooting death. — Marc Cota-Robles (@ABC7MarcCR)June 9, 2015