Olympic Division Officer Takes Shooting Suspect Into Custody While Walking a Foot Beat at His Adopted School NR1310SF

Los Angeles:  A suspect running away from a shooting was taken into custody as elementary students walked home from school.

Earlier today, around 2 p.m., Senior Lead Officer Daniel Chavez, a 10-year veteran of the Department, was walking a foot beat on the campus of his adopted school, Magnolia Elementary, located at 1626 Orchard Avenue, Los Angeles.  As the kids were leaving the campus, Officer Chavez heard gunshots in close proximity to the school.  With the school children nearby, Officer Chavez ran toward the sound of gunfire and saw a man coming in his direction with the gun in his waistband.  Officer Chavez immediately ordered the man to the ground, secured the .357 caliber handgun and took the suspect into custody without incident.  It was later discovered that a shooting between rival gangs had just occurred in the area of 18th Street and Westmoreland Avenue.  It does not appear anyone was wounded during the exchange of gunfire.

Because of Officer Chavez’ presence at the school and his swift action and attentiveness to the safety of the children in the area, a dangerous suspect was taken off the streets of Los Angeles.

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