Suspect Armed with AK-47 Rifle Fires at Officers

Los Angeles: Officers assigned to Northeast Criminal Apprehension Team investigating an attempt murder incident were met by gunfire.

On February 21, 2008, at 12:15 p.m., Officer Carlos Langarica, 12 years with the Department and Officer Joseph Bain, 3 years with the Department were working in a plainclothes capacity. Monitoring a shooting call where a possible white Nissan was described as the suspects’ vehicle, Officers Langarica and Bain spotted a white Nissan Altima in the area of Estara Avenue and Drew Street.

After following, the suspects’ vehicle abruptly stopped in front of 3326 Drew Street with three suspects quickly exiting. One suspect, later identified as Daniel Leon, 22-years-old, armed with an AK-47 rifle fired upon the officers. A second suspect also armed fired on the officers along with Leon. Officers Langarica and Bain both returned fire wounding Leon and another suspect subsequently identified as Jose Angel Gomez, 18 years of age.

Canine and Special Weapons and Tactics officers arrested a third suspect later identified as Guillermo Ocampo, 24 years of age, following a lengthy search. A fourth suspect who fled from the location remains outstanding.

Gomez sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel to Glendale Adventist Hospital. Leon was pronounced dead at the scene. Ocampo sustained dog bites and was transported by LAFD to Glendale Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Neither officer was injured.

Robbery-Homicide Division personnel responded to investigate the crime against the officers. In addition, the original shooting call in which the Nissan was described turned into a murder investigation when the victim died. The victim is identified as Marco Antonio Salas, 36 years of age. Detectives are investigating whether a connection exists between the two incidents.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and investigated the OIS.