Officer Involved Shooting in Southwest NRF071-15ne

**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 12:20 a.m., Southwest Area patrol officers responded to a “Male with Mental Illness” radio call in the 1400 block of West 29th Street.

When the primary unit arrived on scene, they knocked on the apartment door of the location identified in the comments of the radio call. The subject of the radio call, later identified as Elijah Castille, answered the door and was observed to be in possession of knives, one of which he threw at one of the officers. As the suspect fled on foot, the officers redeployed to the street to establish containment and broadcast a backup unit request.

The officers responding to the backup call observed Castille running southbound Walton Place, towards 29th Street. The officers exited their vehicles and observed Castille running toward them in an aggressive manner in possession of a large knife. One officer activated a TASER while the second officer, Police Officer II Erin Daugherty, Serial No. 41321 became involved in an officer involved shooting.

The suspect was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground where he was taken into custody by responding units without further incident. 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.

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

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.