After the Fire : Deadly Force

A summary of four shooting incidents involving LAPD officers:

1 West Valley

March 9, 1996

Time call came in: 9:15 p.m.

Nature of call: Assault with a deadly weapon.

Number of suspects: 1

Summary of incident: Suspect flees scene. A high-speed pursuit is called off after 45 minutes for safety concerns. Police reengage suspect when suspect enters a cul-de-sac. When suspect sees pursuing officers, he attempts to ram his vehicle through a wrought iron gate. He then backs up, ramming his car into police vehicles. Five officers fire multiple rounds at suspect.

Injury report: Suspect is dead; officer is treated for neck and muscle injuries.

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2. West Valley

March 9, 1996

Time call came in: 11:30 p.m.

Nature of call: Possible burglary.

Number of suspects: 1

Summary of incident: Two officers responding to call approach suspect. When officers question suspect, suspect becomes agitated and runs to his vehicle. One of the officers goes after the suspect. Officer jumps into the car as suspect attempts to flee. Suspect speeds off and officer shoots him.

Injury report: Suspect is dead; officer is hospitalized for neck and back injuries.

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3. North Hollywood

March 11, 1996

Time call came in: 6:44 a.m.

Nature of call: Domestic dispute.

Number of suspects: 1

Summary of incident: Officers responding to call approach suspect as he walks toward the patrol car. Suspect fires several shots, hitting the windshield as one of the officers steps out of the car and returns fire, hitting the suspect in the right shoulder. Suspect then runs down a busy sidewalk and takes a hostage. Suspect is subdued by passersby and taken into custody.

Injury report: Suspect is hospitalized and treated for a gunshot wound.

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4. West Valley

March 11, 1996

Time call came in: 5:04 p.m.

Nature of call: Possible narcotics sales.

Number of suspects: 4

Summary of incident: Two officers on bike patrol approach suspects’ car stopped in an alley frequented by drug dealers and buyers. One of the passengers runs toward the back of a building, prompting one of the officers to chase him. The other officer then approaches car to question remaining suspects. The officer, fearing that the front passenger is reaching for a weapon, grabs his hand. The driver puts car into gear, dragging the officer with them. When the officer’s orders to stop the car goes unheeded, the officer fires one shot at the driver, killing him.

Injury report: One suspect is dead; officer is treated for injuries to his head, arms and legs.

Source: Los Angeles Police Department