77th Street Plainclothes Personnel Shoot at a Suspect as He Shoots at Another Male NRF026-16ma

**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 of the incident may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: 77th Street detective personnel were in their vehicle when they saw a suspect shoot at another male. One of the officers fired their handgun but missed the suspect.

Around 1:50 p.m. on April 29, 2016, 77th Street Area Police Officer Irma Castillo and her partner were assigned to 77th Street Detectives working in plain clothes in an unmarked police vehicle. The officers were in the area of Slauson Avenue and Figueroa Street when they saw the suspects, Thomas Gray and Dwayne Seymore, exit a vehicle and confront another male. The officers saw Gray shoot at the male. Officer Castillo fired her handgun at Gray. Gray re-entered the vehicle he had exited and fled the scene, Seymore ran from the scene. The officers followed Gray a short distance before he stopped the vehicle and ran from it.

The officers established a perimeter and a search was conducted. Gray and Seymore were located and arrested for Attempt Murder.

The male who Gray was shooting suffered a gunshot wound to his right knee. The handgun used by Gray was recovered.

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 information regarding this incident is asked to call LAPD’s 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) or send a text 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 www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”