Suspect Falls 24 Feet from Freeway Overpass

Los Angeles: On January 29, 2008, at around 11:20 a.m., Harbor Division officers responded to the area of Pacific Coast Highway and the 110 Freeway in response to a radio call of a suspect throwing road flares at cars on the freeway.

When they arrived, they saw the suspect, Spencer Gogue, a male Black, 37 years old, who was armed with a large sword. With multiple officers at the scene focused to resolve the incident, Police Officer Arthur Meza, was armed with the Department beanbag shotgun and was designated as the less than lethal cover officer.

A use of force occurred when Officer Meza fired three beanbag rounds striking the suspect in the upper body. As Gogue was being struck, he climbed onto the handrail, then fell 24 feet to the concrete sidewalk below. The suspect sustained multiple fractures as a result of the fall and was treated at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department. Spencer Gogue was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted and treated for his injuries.

No officers were injured.

Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation.