Officers Attempting a Traffic Stop Results in an Officer-Involved-Shooting NRF037-16ne

Updated: The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer II Melvin Peraza, Serial No. 38705.

**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 facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: On June 26, 2016, around 7:10 p.m., Foothill Area Gang Enforcement Detail attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a black Jaguar sedan near the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Haddon Avenue. The vehicle pulled into a gas station at the southeast corner of the intersection and stopped. As the officers pulled up behind the Jaguar and exited their police vehicle, they observed the suspect (later identified as Ernesto Flores) get out from the rear driver’s side door armed with a handgun.

The suspect began running northbound across Van Nuys Boulevard and pointed the weapon at an officer resulting in an officer-involved-shooting (OIS). The officers pursued the suspect north of Haddon Avenue to a parking lot located in the 10500 block of Haddon Avenue where Flores layed down on the ground and was taken into custody without further incident.

A loaded gun was recovered from the northeast corner of Van Nuys Boulevard and Haddon Avenue where Flores had discarded it.

Neither Flores nor the officers were injured during this incident.

Force Investigation Division (FID) detectives responded and are investigating the officer-involved-shooting and the crime against the officer. Additionally, FID is also investigating the other occupants of the Jaguar who fled the scene after the OIS and remain outstanding.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. In addition, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to determine whether any of the officers’ actions violated California criminal statutes. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:

During business hours at (213) 486-5230; During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247); Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.