Three Martinez police officers have been terminated following an investigation into misconduct related to a 2023 shooting incident. On August 18, 2023, officers responded to a reported robbery at Velvet Dispensary. During the encounter, officers Alexander Tirona and Cole Bennett shot at a vehicle, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Tahmon Wilson and injuring his 22-year-old brother. The officers claimed the vehicle attempted to flee and struck Tirona. A firearm was later found in the vehicle.​sfchronicle.com
Body camera footage captured the shooting, and during the arrest, Officer Giani Arone struck the surviving brother in the head. Investigations revealed excessive force was used, and an illegal knife possessed by Bennett was concealed. Arone was dismissed in 2024, while Bennett and Tirona, both on probation, were terminated before investigations concluded. The California Department of Justice is reviewing the justification of the shooting. ​sfchronicle.com
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