Armed Suspect Breaks Away from Officers Resulting in Officer Involved Shooting NRF035-16lp

September 14, 2016 NRF035-16ma

Updated: The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer II Charles Kumlander, Serial No. 39403.

**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: 77th Division officers made contact with an armed suspect and an officer involved shooting occurred.

On Friday, June 10, 2016, around 8:30 p.m., 77th Street Area Gang Enforcement Detail officers were in the area of Slauson Avenue and Brynhurst Avenue when they initiated a consensual encounter with the suspect, who was later identified as 31-year-old Keith Bursey. Bursey was seated inside a white GMC Sport Utility Vehicle along with two other occupants. The officers smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the area of the vehicle and had the rear passenger exit the vehicle at which time he was detained. The officers then had Bursey exit from the front passenger area of the vehicle. Bursey exited the vehicle and the officer started to conduct a pat down search. During the pat down search, the officer felt a handgun in Bursey’s front waistband. Bursey then broke away from the officer, reached for his waistband area and the officer fired 4 rounds striking the suspect.

The officers immediately requested paramedics, who responded to the scene and provided medical treatment to Bursey. Bursey was transported to a local area hospital where he later died.

Investigators recovered a loaded .38 caliber handgun and an unknown amount of marijuana at the scene. Investigators also determined that Bursey was a documented gang member who was wanted for a parole violation.

This is the 8th officer involved shooting when a suspect was armed with a firearm in 2016.

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.