Officer Involved Shooting in Southeast NRF065-15

August 17, 2015

*** UPDATE ***

The officers involved in the incident described below have been identified as: Detective Michael Owens, Serial No. 32795 and Police Officer II Saipele Tuialii, Serial No. 38343.

** The following information is based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the incident may change as the investigation continues and additional evidence is collected and analyzed. **

Los Angeles: On August 6, 2015, around 2:30 p.m., Southeast Narcotics Enforcement Detail (NED) plainclothes officers were monitoring narcotic sales activity when their attention was drawn to a male, later identified as the suspect, Tyreece Wofford, who was standing at the corner of 91st Street and Central Avenue holding a handgun.

For unknown reason, Wofford began running on 91st Street holding the handgun in plain view. The officers followed Wofford north through the alleyway. Wofford continued running through the alley, still being followed by NED officers. Wofford jumped over a chain link fence when his clothing became entangled on top of the chain link fence.

As the officers stopped their vehicle, Wofford, while stuck on top of the chain link fence, pointed his handgun at the officers, resulting in an officer-Involved shooting. Wofford was struck by the gunfire and taken into custody.

Wofford was transported by Rescue Ambulance to a local hospital where he was treated and remained in stable condition.

A handgun was recovered from the scene. No officers were injured during the incident.

Force Investigation Division investigators responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of the officer involved shooting. 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 Departments 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.