Watch Man with .50 Caliber Projectile Launcher Fire on LAPD Officers
Recently released security camera footage captured an unusual shootout last week when a man with a .50 caliber projectile launcher opened fire on LAPD officers.
The incident happened at about 8:40 a.m. Feb. 20 when police received a report of a suspect—later identified as Anthony Franks, 42—threatening his apartment neighbor with a gun, according to an LAPD news release. When officers reached the scene, they spoke with a woman who said Franks had pointed a gun at her.
While police were talking with the woman, Franks quickly opened his apartment door and begin firing shots from a .50 caliber projectile launcher. Officers returned fire, and the exchange was caught on video by an apartment security camera.
No one was struck in the shootout, and officers called for backup. A brief standoff ensued, and Franks was eventually taken into custody.
Police recovered a projectile launcher that looked like a semi-automatic pistol and fired .50 caliber rubber balls. They also recovered a jar of .50 caliber rubber balls and a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
The incident is being investigated by the LAPD's Force Investigation Division.
