Panel Supports Officers’ Actions in Bank Shootout

The Los Angeles Police Department’s use-of-force board has approved a preliminary report stating that officers acted properly in a gun battle with two heavily armed bank robbers at a North Hollywood Bank of America last February, authorities said.

LAPD detectives finished the 800-page report last month, said Lt. Don Hartwell. The use-of-force board ruled Monday on the conclusion that the officers acted “in policy.” The report now goes to Chief Bernard Parks and to the LAPD Police Commission, which has the final say in the matter, Hartwell said.

The two gunmen, Emil Matasareanu and Larry Eugene Phillips Jr., were killed in the botched robbery attempt Feb. 28, 1997. Eleven officers and six bystanders were injured as the suspects and police traded gunfire for nearly an hour.

Police were severely outgunned and at one point burst into a North Hollywood gun shop and borrowed seven rifles and ammunition.

Since then, the LAPD has received about 400 M-16 rifles after clamoring for more firepower. But the powerful guns remain locked up as police officials grapple with training issues and figure out which officers should have the rifles in the field.