Breaking News
The California Department of Justice has identified Richmond Police Detective Brandon Hodges as the officer involved in a fatal shooting on Interstate 80, according to DOJ records.
The shooting occurred around 7:20 a.m. January 22, 2026, on westbound I-80 east of Pinole Valley Road in Richmond, and resulted in the death of Luis Angel Torres Rivera, the DOJ said.
Man shot by Richmond detective on Interstate 80 identified by California DOJ
Authorities have identified the man killed in an officer-involved shooting on Interstate 80 last month as Luis Angel Torres Rivera, according to the California Department of Justice. Torres Rivera was shot on January 22, 2025, during an encounter with a Richmond police detective on westbound Interstate 80 near the Highway
Soren Hemmila
On Friday, the Richmond Police Officers Association released a statement defending Hodges' actions and calling for the public to allow the investigative process to proceed based on facts rather than speculation.
"Based on the facts known and the totality of the circumstances, the RPOA maintains that Det. Brandon Hodges acted lawfully and was fully justified in defending himself and others during a rapidly evolving and dangerous encounter," said Ben Therriault, RPOA President.
According to Richmond police, Hodges was driving an unmarked vehicle when he encountered a car stopped in a traffic lane and contacted a man standing nearby. An altercation followed, and the detective fired his weapon. The man was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Therriault described Hodges as "a highly decorated, five-time Officer of the Year whose career reflects professionalism, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to public safety."
The union said it remains confident the ongoing independent review will confirm that "Detective Hodges' actions were reasonable, necessary, and consistent with both the law and his training."
The RPOA also called on the City of Richmond to "fully support its officers throughout this process."
The DOJ is investigating the case under Assembly Bill 1506, which requires an independent state investigation of officer-involved shootings resulting in death. The DOJ's California Police Shooting Investigation Team is leading the investigation.
Hodges is a detective with the Richmond Police Department, assigned to the department’s General Crimes Unit. Before becoming a detective, he served as a patrol officer and K‑9 handler with his partner, Gunnar.
Hodges has received recognition from colleagues, including multiple Officer of the Year honors. He was also named in a federal civil lawsuit alleging failure to intervene in another officer’s use of force.
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