Suspect Apprehended After Grocery Store Theft NR09367rh

Los Angeles:  On July 28, 2009, at approximately 12:10 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Mission Area Senior Lead Officer Karen Reade, a 13-year veteran of the Department, and her partner were driving in the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and Devonshire Street when they were flagged down by a citizen.  Officer Reade and her partner were told that a theft had just occurred at a local grocery store.  The citizen told officers that the suspect had entered a business in the 10200 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.

Officers went to that location and attempted to detain suspect Mario Perez, 23 years of age.  Perez refused to cooperate and would not respond to the officers’ commands.  Officers then saw he clutched his waistband and turned around, facing away from them. Perez then abruptly turned toward the officers, and an officer involved shooting occurred.  He was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.

Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and treated Perez at scene.  Perez was then transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released for booking.  He is being held in custody on a no-bail, parole hold basis.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division responded and is investigating the officer involved shooting.