Man with Rifle Shot by Officer

Los Angeles: An officer shot a man who was armed with a rifle.

On August 2, 2007, just after 4 a.m., Pacific Area Officer David Kater responded to a call of a group drinking in the area of 3900 Moore Avenue in Venice. Upon arrival the officer did not see the group, but was directed to a parked SUV by a person who had called.

Officer Kater approached the SUV and saw a man asleep in the back seat with what appeared to be a rifle in an upright position leaning against the back of the front seat. Officer Kater backed away and requested additional officers to respond. When additional officers arrived, Officer Kater and three officers approached the SUV and ordered the man out. The man opened his eyes, but continued to ignore the officers’ commands, which were given in both English and Spanish. The man suddenly leaned forward and placed both of his hands on the barrel of the rifle. Officer Kater saw the man attempt to arm himself and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The man has been identified as 28-year-old Norberto Estrada. He received a gunshot wound to the right forearm and was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

Officers recovered a rifle style BB gun from inside the SUV.

Estrada was arrested for Assault without a Firearm on a Police Officer. He is being held on $50,000 bail.

Officer Kater is 38 years of age and has been with the Department for one year and eleven months. None of the officers were injured.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the shooting.