Officer Involved Shooting in Northeast Division

Los Angeles – On September 14, 2000 at approximately 11:58 p.m., Northeast Uniformed Officers Carlos Langarica, serial number 32670 (27 years of age and 5 years with the Department) and Roy Escalante, serial number 26373 (33 years of age and 12 years with the Department) became involved in a vehicular pursuit of a traffic violator, southbound on north Figueroa Street.

At the intersection of Cypress Avenue the suspect lost control of his vehicle and collided with a light and traffic signal pole. Several other units and a supervisor arrived at the scene, including Northeast uniformed Officer Lance Dyer, serial number 35258 (23 years of age and 18 months with the Department.) The officers repeatedly ordered the suspect to exit his vehicle but he did not comply. Officers Langarica and Dyer armed with their service pistols and Officer Escalante armed with a Department shotgun, formed a team and approached the vehicle to take the suspect into custody.

As Officer Langarica approached the open passenger window, the suspect pointed what the officer believed to be a handgun at him. Officer Langarica yelled “Gun” and in fear of his life, fired several rounds at the suspect. Simultaneously, Officer Escalante observed the suspect pointing what he believed was a handgun at Officer Langarica and in fear of Officer Langarica’s life, Officer Escalante fired several rounds from his Department shotgun at the suspect. Officer Dyer, in fear of Officer Langarica’s life, fired several rounds from his service pistol at the suspect.

The suspect was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance to a local hospital where he failed to respond to treatment and was pronounced dead. No officers were injured during the incident. No handgun has been recovered from the vehicle.

Robbery-Homicide Division is conducting the investigation. Please direct all inquiries to the Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

The press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Charlotte Broughton, Media Relations Section.