In an ongoing and preliminary investigation, with details subject to change as new evidence and information surfaces from witness interviews, auto and digital document reviews, and forensic evidence analysis. The LAPD keeps updating their understanding of the event based on this additional information.
The LAPD's Force Investigation Division is currently investigating a case of an officer-involved shooting which took place in the Olympic Division, Los Angeles.
The incident took place on September 13 when, at about 8:35 p.m., patrol officers responded to a call about a "415 Man with a Knife" situation along the 1200 block of South New Hampshire Avenue. Upon reaching the location, the officers spotted the suspect in a nearby parking lot. They set up an enclosure around the parking lot and attempted to confront the armed man who was brandishing a large kitchen knife. Despite several attempts to persuade the man to drop his weapon, the man charged the officers at the exit of the parking lot still holding the knife. The suspect's refusal to comply led to the officer-involved shooting.
This shooting resulted in the man being hit, and consequently falling on the pavement. The suspect was then detained and medical aid was administered until an ambulance arrived. Paramedics rushed the suspect to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The man's identity will be withheld by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office until family members can be notified. Currently, he is described as a Hispanic male, presumably between 30 and 35 years of age.
An 8 inch kitchen knife, ostensibly belonging to the suspect, was retrieved from the scene and documented as evidence.
No police officers or bystanders were harmed in the duration of this incident.
The LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division arrived on scene to talk to witnesses and collect evidence under the supervision of the Forensic Science Division. The entire investigation will be scrutinized by the Chief of Police, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the accuracy, thoroughness of the investigation and if lethal force was used in line with LAPD's policies and procedures.
