Carotid Restraint Hold Used on Aggressive Suspect

Los Angeles: Two Los Angeles Police Department Gang Enforcement Detail (GED) officers encountered a very combative attempt murder suspect in the evening of December 10, 2008 and attempted to restrain the suspect using a technique known as the “carotid restraint control hold,” which involves pressure to the carotid artery.  

On December 10, 2008 at about 5:15 p.m., two plain clothes officers were on their Code 7 break inside the Maui Chicken Restaurant in the 29200 block of South Western Avenue in the city of Lomita.  The officers saw Michael Muns, who they recognized as an attempt murder suspect and a known gang member from a shooting several weeks prior.  The officers requested additional officers to take Muns into custody.  Prior to the other officers arriving, Muns attempted to leave.  The officers walked up to Muns and identified themselves as Los Angeles Police officers.

At that point, Muns resisted arrest and initiated a physical fight.  During the altercation, the officers felt a handgun in Muns’ pocket.  The struggle continued onto the sidewalk outside the restaurant with Muns pushing one of the officers to the ground.  At one point, Officer Edward Yoon, a 15-year veteran with the Department, applied a carotid restraint control hold on Muns.  Muns continued to resist and broke free from the officers.  Muns ran a short distance and was subdued by both officers in front of 29211 South Western Avenue.  He was taken into custody and his weapon, a loaded .38 caliber revolver, was recovered.

Neither of the officers nor the suspect were injured.  Muns was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.  He was released and later booked.

Force Investigative Division personnel responded and are investigating the use of force.  Harbor area detectives are handling the crimes related to the attempt murder.