8-Year-Old Girl Shot in Front of Her Home

UPDATE

The gunman was later identified as Jovan Lara.  On March 13, 2009, a felony warrant for his arrest was issued, charging him with two counts of attempted murder and three counts of an assault with a deadly weapon using a firearm.  On March 24, 2009, at approximately 9 a.m., officers received information from the LAPD’s Force Investigation Division that Lara was surrendering himself to border patrol agents at San Ysidro, Calif.  Officers responded and met with Border Patrol Agent David Perez who was detaining Lara.  After officers informed him of his arrest, he requested to be taken to Los Angeles County for booking, and he was booked at LAPD Parker Center just before 3:30 p.m. for the felony warrant.

Los Angeles: A suspect fired at undercover narcotics officers and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

On March 8, 2009 at about 6:50 p.m., officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Olympic Division Narcotic Enforcement Detail were in plain clothes driving an unmarked car in the 1800 block of Orchid Avenue when they saw a black Toyota Camry with three people inside commit a traffic violation. 

The officers followed the car into the alley behind 1800 Orchid Avenue.  The car suddenly came to a stop and the suspect in the rear seat exited.  The suspect produced a semi automatic handgun and fired at the officers, and the officers returned fire. 

An 8-year-old girl almost a block away was struck by the suspect’s gunfire and was transported to a local hospital where she was listed in stable condition.

The officers were not injured, and their names are not being released because of their undercover status.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the officer-involved shooting and the crime against the officers.  Force Investigation Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT) is pursuing the suspects, assisted by Robbery Homicide Division (RHD). 

Persons with information related to this incident are requested to call the 24 hour tip line at 1-877 LAPD 24-7  (1-877-527-3247).   Those wishing to remain anonymous may use their cellular phones and text to “CRIMES” or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on “webtips.”  When using a cell phone always begin the text portion of the message with the letters LAPD.  Texting or internet tips provided in this manner are anonymous.