Suspect Exhibits and Reaches for Gun, Resulting in an Officer Involved Shooting NR11595bb

Los Angeles: A male suspect threatened police officers by exhibiting and then reaching for the gun in his waistband, resulting in an officer involved shooting.

On December 20, 2011, shortly after 2:30 p.m., 77th Area Narcotics Enforcement Detail officers were patrolling in the area of 84th Street and Towne Avenue when they observed what they believed to be a narcotics transaction.  When the officers stopped to investigate, the suspect Henry, a male Black in his 20’s threatened officers with a handgun, resulting in an officer involved shooting.    

The suspect was taken into custody and the officers immediately called for medical assistance.  Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported Henry to a local area hospital.  No officers were injured during this incident.

The officer involved in the above officer-involved shooting has been identified as Police Officer II Michael Sciarappa.

The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting and all related crimes.   

The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s use of force policy which states that officers’ use of force actions must be objectively reasonable.  Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the Officer Involved Shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  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.