Richard Hughes, 38

Jan. 5, 2012

Richard Hughes, a 38-year-old white man, was shot and killed by police Thursday, Jan. 5, in the 1700 block of Riverside Drive in Glendale, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The incident began about 1 p.m. when Hughes' girlfriend called 911, saying that her boyfriend was violent and wanted to commit suicide, according to Sgt. Tom Lorenz of the Glendale Police Department.

Officers responded, and Hughes lunged at them with the knife, Lorenz said. One of the officers fired his handgun at least once, fatally wounding the man.

"It appears, based on the statements at the scene and the evidence, that this was a suicide by cop," Lorenz told The Times.

Anyone with additional information about the officer-involved shooting is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Andrew Blankstein and Robert J. Lopez

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14 reader comments

I also wanted to add, just in case immediate family read this, in the chance theyre anything like me...
I am many things-while still human & flawed, I can honestly say my actions are always of good nature, the outcome is not always so. I try to help (not being specific here) sometimes, the opposite happens. At the very least I wind up bugging someone that day. My intentions are always pure either way, something I’m very proud of. Amongst my various traits, I’m slightly superstitious. I have my own weird beliefs. They aren’t “irrational” but unique to myself, if only to my best knowledge anyway. One thing that urks me, is speaking ill of those lost. Mostly b/c they have no voice to advocate, & truly bc I know what it’s like to be falsely spoken of. Believing hugely in “energy you put out in the world” I always try to do what feels right, at heart-even when it’s hardest TO do. (Sometimes that’s how I know it’s the right thing to do. Owning up to & claiming responsibility for anything less-than-flattering isn’t ever easy.) I say this, b/c I’m “putting something out there” w/only the purest & kindest of intent. With all the love I have in my hurt saddened heart. It’s been what? Almost 9 years? Only now, can I even think to speak the loving words ive said. Recently though, I discovered a fair amount of photos, of Rick, in digital format. While I’d never erase these, they aren’t mine to keep-not just for me to see & appreciate. I know & can say, w/all my heart, if things were reversed, had I found out pictures of a dear someone I lost in life existed, I’d want a copy. (I lost a friend a yr ago 12/7, it was sudden. I still look at pix on fb pages I’m not even friends with, when I can.Thats how I know.) I want to remember the ones who are gone, while living each day in their honor-so their tragedy can not ever have happened in vain. In the rare chance they’re somewhere watching, (superstition) they can be sure at the very least, I remember. It’s My way of telling them they made a difference. I only hope to achieve such an honor. (With my life) I will check here, in case family (only immediate) respond/welcome or who even REALLY want to see the happy pictures which represent the beauty that is Rick. If I did it again, caused harm/distress instead of brought the happiness I intended, I’m eternally sorry. I meant not to. I am only trying to follow my heart. And do what I would want-I couldn’t love him like others did, from blood or otherwise intimate, but I was fortunate to have been (& thought of him as) treated like we were family. I had an older brother for a bit there. Something I couldn’t say before or even now-When I found the pictures, I not only became sad, for the great loss, but also happy for finding them. Mostly, I was unsure/concerned in regards to whether or not I should speak up. Fighting this battle between intention and the causation/possible outcome of that intent, my heart led me to this very msg. If I’m told how to, I’ll reach out.

— Little girl Nov. 13, 2020 at 4:59 p.m.

Out of respect for Rick’s family, anyone who doesn’t have valid, facts-really should refrain. Anyone who was there, those closest to what happened-know. Everyone knows the truth, which is that Mr. Richard (Rick) Hughes was an amazing man, an on point dog trainer and highly respected in that field or by anyone who ever met him. Knowing everything I know, I still think highly of, reflect fondly of and equally hurt inside for his loss. “Everything I know” speaks volumes, if only you knew my identity. I wasn’t going to comment, I couldn’t resist when I saw the negative words. I want to add, Based off the wording from every comment, I know that none of the people were actually present. I say that meaning, anyone who could know, indirectly speaking, neighbors mostly-I know them all, including both gf’s. They wouldn’t have said any of that. So it has to be negative thoughts from people who couldn’t possibly know. The two gf thing** I have to add, Rick was always a true gentleman and I don’t mean he had two at the same time. But two played a role in those tragic events. (If not for only to help him, being met without success.) A fact this article leaves out. (It’s all irrelevant anyways) My point is, I hope the negative stuff stops, his family has suffered enough in his untimely loss. I hurt for them right now as I write this. He is often in my thoughts. His brother, who’s name I won’t mention-from South Carolina, who came to Cali-who I have so much love for: wherever you are, if you should ever read this, the one who I once knew very well-I think about you all the time and pray you’re okay. If I knew your family, I’d have reached out. I refrain, so as not to cause unnecessary harm, or hurt-even though my intentions are of pure nature and only of love.
And, any “bad” people try to imagine, which I may or may not have witnessed or even experienced-inadvertently done, as always was the cause....any bad you think you know, you don’t have any idea what “bad” is. I saw love, pain, drama-were all human. The purpose is to share fond memories. So, that being said-here goes.

I was a lot younger
I talked about love with him at times, but only when he brought it up first. He often scoffed at me. “Little girl, you don’t know what luuuuuv is yet” he’d jokingly say to me.
One day I told him
“Love is being too fat to be able to shave your whole body. And your love offers to help you. While doing that, because of your size, he finds a massive pimple. He pops it for you to help you. The relief, equally amazing as it was disgusting and embarrassing to the other person.”
He never questioned if I knew real love again.
While many fond times were shared, like holidays, pool shenanigans & pumpkin carving, none were as fun as when I could show him a new & cool food or whatever. Rick and I shared a love for food. He loved my version of spaghetti-and the pizza joint down the street I introduced him to. He thanked me BIG time for that one.
I thank him 4 existing.

— Red Lobster Nov. 13, 2020 at 3:42 p.m.

Not a day goes by I don't miss my oldest brother. The cop that shot him was basically a kid. Yes my brother was a big man with a bigger heart. Suicide by cop is just a way for crooked police officers to sweep their murderous mistakes under their dirty rugs. My brother was a dog trainer and probably trained a few K-9 units that keep those sorry bullies safe. So sleep with that at night because I haven't since they killed him. In this day and age. Bullets are no longer necessary unless a suspect visually has a gun. So they pretty much say my brother brought a knife to a gun fight. And also all the older officers with years of experience just watched this rookie shoot my brother right through his heart. I now am facing the longest darkest depression of my life. The police have no idea how many lives they ruined with one bullet.

— Joseph speed July 3, 2014 at 12:14 p.m.

My heart is permanently broken! Rick was my beloved first born son. We tried desperately to get him help and were turned away at every turn! He was treated like a rabid animal that cursed day! He was and still is MY babyboy!! He was going through a dark period in his life, given the chance to live he would have come through this, I was coming to him the end of January but those inadequate beings who call themselves officers stole his his life by playing God! I miss my son every moment of my existence. Rick and I were very close though 3000 miles separated us! I can not forgive those involved in stealing my Rick's life! I am tormented every day! I'll never have grandchildren, and Holidays or birthdays and our frequent talks on the phone are no more. Mama loves and misses you Rick.

— Vicky Hughes Gold Dec. 16, 2012 at 3:49 p.m.