Officer Involved Shooting in Hollenbeck NRF072-15ne

**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 22, 2015, around 11:40p.m., Metropolitan uniformed officers were working a Crime Suppression Detail in Hollenbeck Area. As they drove northbound on North Soto Street, they observed a male individual obstructing vehicle traffic.

The officers stopped the police vehicle in order to conduct a pedestrian stop for the observed violation. As the driver officer exited their police vehicle, he observed the handle of a handgun protruding from the suspect’s (later identified as Alfredo Santibanez) jacket pocket and immediately voiced his observation to his partner.

Santibanez ran and the officers followed. As Santibanez proceeded he turned in the direction of the officers’ brandished the gun at which time an officer involved shooting occurred involving Police Officer III David Bunch, Serial No. 38552. The suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was taken into custody without further incident.

A gun was recovered at scene near where the suspect fell. No officers were injured.

Paramedics with Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance responded, rendered medical aid for a non-life threatening injury and transported the suspect to a local hospital.

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.