UPDATE: A former Torrance police officer, David Chandler Jr., has just pleaded guilty to a felony count of assault related to an on-duty shooting that left a man injured. This significant development occurred on November 5, 2023, and is expected to lead to the dismissal of charges against Chandler in one year.
Chandler, 37, was charged in connection with the August 27, 2018, shooting of Jarvis Goode. Under a plea agreement, he pled guilty to one count of assault by an officer, will complete 100 hours of community service, and must relinquish his peace officer certification in California. Prosecutors confirmed that the case is likely to be dismissed in a year, allowing Chandler to walk away without a conviction.
In a troubling incident, Chandler faced accusations of firing multiple rounds at Goode, who emerged from his grandmother’s home in Torrance allegedly holding a knife and subsequently walking away from police. The shooting raised serious questions about law enforcement protocols and use of force.
During a recent hearing, Deputy District Attorney Guy Shirley acknowledged that the initial shots could be justified as a defense of Goode’s grandmother, Margo Goode, who had called police earlier that day. However, he argued that Chandler continued firing shots without lawful necessity as Goode fled.
Margo Goode testified about the traumatic events, recounting that she had called police after her grandson broke windows at her home and that “bullets started flying” shortly after she stepped outside. She expressed her fear, stating, “It scared me to death… I almost got hit.”
Following his plea, Chandler’s attorney, Tom Yu, emphasized that his client acted under extreme pressure, claiming he had only a brief moment to make a decision. He noted that Goode had been holding the knife in a threatening manner.
This plea marks a critical moment for the Torrance Police Department, which has faced scrutiny over recent allegations against its officers. Chandler is the third member of the force to face criminal charges within a short span. In a separate case, two other officers, Christopher Tomsic and Cody Weldin, pled guilty to felony vandalism related to a swastika found spray-painted in an impounded vehicle.
The implications of Chandler’s plea are profound, highlighting ongoing debates about police accountability and the handling of mental health crises. As communities grapple with the impact of these incidents, the urgency for reform within law enforcement agencies continues to grow.
Authorities confirm that Chandler is no longer employed by the Torrance Police Department. As this story develops, community members are left to reflect on the broader implications of law enforcement actions and their consequences. What happens next in Chandler’s case, as well as others in the department, will be closely monitored.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
