An Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that involved SWAT members occurred in the West Los Angeles Division, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The incident, which took place in the early hours of July 29, is currently under investigation by the LAPD's Force Investigation Division. As reported by the LAPD PIO, the events unfolded after officers responded to a call regarding a burglary suspect located on the 2600 block of South Halm Avenue at around 3:20 a.m.
NRF040-24ma - Officer-Involved Shooting with SWAT in West Los Angeles Division pic.twitter.com/jUzFSQ7Pt7
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) July 31, 2024
The suspect, identified as Lavell Adama, was accused of attempting to forcefully enter a home before proceeding to break into an elderly neighbor's residence through a shattered window, which led to the neighbor fleeing. Adama allegedly set the house on fire shortly after entering. As per the LAPD PIO, officers endeavored to take Adama into custody, but he was armed with a knife and reacted aggressively. This prompted an officer to deploy two Beanbag shotgun rounds, but Adama still chose to barricade himself inside, armed with the weapon.
SWAT teams established containment, and events escalated when Adama exited the house through a side window covered with a blanket. Officers repeatedly commanded him to show his hands, drop the covering, and heed their directions. They also clearly warned about using force. Despite these warnings, Adama lifted his arm with a large butcher knife in hand and charged at the officers. In response, there was a combined use of a TASER and gunfire, resulting in Adama being struck down, as detailed by the LAPD PIO.
Following the incident, the Los Angeles Fire Department's Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) unit promptly assessed Adama and declared him deceased at the scene. It was confirmed that no officers or civilians sustained injuries during this confrontation. The investigation into the shooting and the subsequent fire is also involving Los Angeles Fire Department Arson investigators, according to the LAPD's news release.
