Man killed by police Tuesday had protested prior police shooting, according to friends

A knife-wielding man killed by Long Beach police Tuesday was identified widely by friends on social media as Barry Prak, who had been involved in a protest over a 2013 police shooting of a friend.

Prak, who has not yet been officially identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, was shot after ruing from members of a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and barricading himself inside an acquaintance’s residence in the 2800 block of East 15th Street, police said.

He was allegedly wanted in coection with a December 2014 multiple-victim shooting in Long Beach. As of late Wednesday, police had not provided details about that shooting.

Prak charged at officers while holding a knife, prompting one officer to shoot, police said. A police dog named “Credo” was also struck and killed by shots from that officer’s weapon.

A life lost

Prak’s friends and family plaed a candlelight vigil Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. at 15th Street and Temple Avenue near where he was shot, according to social media posts.

Not much about Prak was known as of Wednesday afteoon, except that he was involved in protests October 2013 after Long Beach police shot and wounded Sokha Hor, one of his friends. Hor’s family said they were denied visitation for 10 days after the shooting. Police eventually made a special arrangement allowing the family to visit.

Hor, who police described as a known gang member, was wounded by police who were searching for him in coection with a burglary after he allegedly drew a gun on police detectives.

Police dog

Credo — a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois who served with Officer Mike Parcells for two years — was killed by friendly fire after Prak allegedly charged at Long Beach SWAT officers with a knife, police said. The dog worked patrol and narcotics, and was involved in more than 30 apprehensions.

Parcells, a 23-year veteran of the department and a K9 handler for 16 years, lost a prior dog in the line of duty. In 2005, his dog Ranger was killed during a shootout that began as a SWAT search.

Information on a memorial service for Credo will be aounced once arrangements have been finalized, police said. Anyone who wishes to contribute should visit the LBPD K-9 Association’s website.

Those who wish to send cards to Parcells can mail them to: Officer Mike Parcells, K-9 Detail, 400 W. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802.

The shooting

Police said officers tried to use less lethal means to subdue Prak, who had fled into a residence when police arrived. When members of the city’s SWAT team ordered Prak to exit the residence, he came outside but did not comply with officers’ commands.

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Officers used a 40mm rubber baton round, and unleashed the dog, to try to subdue him, police said.

“The suspect continued his aggressive charge toward officers while canine Credo continued to try and stop the suspect from advancing towards officers,” police said Tuesday. “As Credo fought with the suspect, the suspect produced a knife while continuing to advance towards officers.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, or has video or information, is encouraged to contact the Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detail at 562-570-7244.