BURBANK : Officer Cleared in Fatal Shooting

An internal investigation by Burbank police cleared an officer of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of a man who pointed a pellet gun at another officer June 5.

“The shooting inquiry board found the discharge of the weapon within department policy,” Lt. Larry Koch said. “He fired to defend the life of another officer.”

Luis Edward (Patrick) Arevalo, 26, was shot three times outside his apartment at the corner of Victory Boulevard and Lamer Street after his wife called police to report a domestic dispute, Koch said.

Two officers arrived simultaneously about 5 a.m. in separate patrol cars, Koch said. Arevalo pointed the gun at Officer Mark Knight as he emerged from his patrol car parked on Lamer Street, Koch said. Officer Russell Williamson, who parked on Victory Boulevard, saw Arevalo point the gun and immediately fired, he said.

Several neighbors who saw the incident from their window alleged that police gave no warning before firing. Koch said that there was no need for a warning because of the immediate danger. He said news reports that police had given a warning were incorrect.