Mission Area Officer-Involved Shooting NRF027-17fp

***Update***

***The officers involved in the incident below have been identified as Police Officer Specialist Joseph Lona, Serial No. 42768, Police Officer II Tomas Escalana, Serial No. 34921, Police Officer III Michael Miller, Serial No. 36332 and Police Officer II John Pastora, Serial No. 36239.***

Mission: On April 22, 2017, around 6:15 a.m., The Los Angeles Police Department’s Mission and Devonshire units responded to a radio call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon suspect there now on Rayen Street e/o Sepulveda Boulevard. Upon arrival, they encountered Suspect David Cruz. Cruz stated he was armed with a knife and a gun. He refused multiple commands to submit to handcuffing. After approximately 11 minutes of verbalization by officers in attempt to de-escalate the situation, Cruz drew a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at officers resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. All officers were wearing their body worn cameras.

Cruz was taken into custody and transported to a local area hospital where he is listed in critical condition. No officers were injured during the incident.

A replica firearm and a knife were recovered at scene.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting which will be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and tactics employed by the officers complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.

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.