The Los Angeles Police Department is in the early stages of investigating a Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI) that took place in the Foothill Division, according to a statement released. The incident, involving 49-year-old Gregory Pekarek, occurred on August 1 during a routine patrol in a department store on Laurel Canyon Boulevard.
Officers encountered Pekarek, who, kneeling, holding a large number of jeans in the men's clothing aisle, was previously implicated in a theft at the same locale. The attempt to apprehend him led to Pekarek striking his head on a clothing rack as he tried to flee, resulting in a laceration above his right eye. The officers reportedly used physical force to subdue and arrest him.
Pekarek, booked on burglary charges, faced a second use of force when attempting to flee medical facilities, the LAPD reported. Despite the violent encounter, no members of the community suffered injuries. Pekarek was later admitted to the hospital for a medical condition that manifested following the altercation with the officers.
In the aftermath, the officers involved sustained minor injuries, not requiring medical treatment. Meanwhile, Pekarek's condition is being observed by medical staff who, after the struggle with him, determined on August 2 that he should be hospitalized. The Force Investigation Division (FID) continues to investigate the details surrounding these events.
