Police Investigate Gunfire After LAPD Softball Game

When frightened Buena Park residents heard gunshots at a park where gang problems are not unusual, they did what many people would do: They called the police.

Two officers who were cruising in the area near Bellis Park about 9:30 p.m. also heard the shots and arrived in time to detain six women, all of whom were carrying firearms.

Then came the surprise. The detainees were Los Angeles police officers, some of whom may have let their celebration after a friendly softball game between off-duty cops last Saturday night get out of hand, Buena Park police said Tuesday.

After being handcuffed and forced to lie face down on the ground for several minutes, the Los Angeles officers were released, police said. They have not been charged with a crime.

However, on Tuesday, Buena Park police said they were still investigating the incident, and a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman said the matter had been referred to the department’s Internal Affairs Division to determine if there was misconduct.

“The LAPD has a very clearly defined use-of-force policy, and it dictates when and under what circumstances officers shall use their weapons,” Los Angeles Police Lt. John Dunkin said.

“For officers to fire their weapons in a celebratory manner or in any way outside of policy is considered, No. 1, illegal, and, No. 2, misconduct,” he added.

Buena Park Police Sgt. Terry Branum said that the six female officers were in three vehicles that were stopped shortly after leaving the park. The Buena Park officers who examined their weapons said none appeared to have been fired recently, he said.

But the officers found 12 spent shell casings in the park near where a dozen or more other Los Angeles police who took part in the softball game lingered after the game, he said.