Attempt Murder of a Los Angeles School Police Officer Armed and Dangerous Suspect Sought NR11035bb

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect who is responsible for the attempted murder of a Los Angeles Unified School Police Officer.

On Wednesday, January 19, 2011, around eight in the morning, Officer Jeff Stenroos of the Los Angeles Unified School District Police Department was in full uniform, driving a marked black and white police vehicle patrolling the area around El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills. Officer Stenroos was flagged down by a person who told him a Caucasian man was peering into parked vehicles on a street behind the school.

At about 11:30 a.m.,Officer Stenroos saw an individual matching the description of the suspect, peering into parked vehicles along the 5500 block of Manton Avenue. Office Stenroos, believing that the male might be a burglary suspect, stopped his police car and got out to investigate.The suspect suddenly fired a handgun at Officer Stenroos,striking him one time in the chest. The force of the bullet’s impact caused Officer Stenroos to fall to the ground. He was wearing a ballistic vest, which prevented the bullet from penetrating his body.  

Shortly after the shooting, a Good Samaritan, Michael Brodey, was driving by the location of the shooting and saw Officer Stenroos on the ground.  Mr. Brodey, using his past training as a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, was able to use the police radio in Officer Stenroos’s car to put out an “officer needs help” call.  Mr. Brodey recognized that Officer Stenroos was having difficulty breathing and quickly reacted by retrieving a US Coast Guard life jacket from his car; put it under Officer Stenroos’ head.  Mr. Brodey tended to Officer Stenroos until first responders arrived.  

Officer Stenroos was rushed to Northridge Hospital Medical Center where he was treated and released for a bruised chest, caused by the bullet impact to his ballistic vest, and injuries to his head when he fell.

Despite an extensive search, the suspect has not been located.  The suspect is described as a male Caucasian, in his mid-to-late 40s with long grayish hair pulled into a pony-tail, 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a thin build.  The suspect was last seen wearing a dark colored jacket, possibly a bomber jacket or hooded sweatshirt, and denim jeans.  

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department RHD Homicide Special Section Detectives Myers or Diaz at 213-486-6850.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.