DUI Suspect Dies in Custody NR1329ne

Los Angeles: On April 4, 2013, around 7:50 p.m., Central Area officers were responding to a traffic accident in the 400 block of North Vermont Avenue, which possibly involved a drunk driver that was still at scene.

As the officers were conducting their investigation, the suspect later identified as 50-year-old Mark Courtier was attempting to run from the scene.  One of the officers deployed a taser gun in ‘Direct Stun Mode’ on Courtier, until officers were able to overcome his resistance and handcuff him.

Paramedics were requested for Courtier, who suffered a laceration to the face which occurred during the take down.  Los Angeles Fire Department responded and as they treated Courtier found him to be non-responsive.  Courtier was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

Force Investigation Division is investigating the use of force incident.

The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, Office of the Inspector General, and the Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s use-of-force policy, which states that an officer’s 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 is asked 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 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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.