Metropolitan Division Officer-Involved Shooting in Mission Area NRF079-17ma

January 10, 2018

Updated: The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Metropolitan Division Police Officer III Dragos Burecu, Serial No. 38553.

**The following information is based on a preliminary and 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**

En Español

Los Angeles: On December 19, 2017, around 11:15 p.m., officers assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department Metropolitan Division were in the 8400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. They were in their police vehicle when they heard gunshots in the area. They exited their vehicle to try to locate where the gunshots were coming from and saw a man in a motel parking lot holding a rifle and a revolver. At that time, there was an officer-involved shooting. The man, later identified as Damon Seymour, was not struck by the gunfire and was immediately taken into custody by the officers.

Seymour was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

No officers were injured during this incident. A rifle and handgun was recovered in the crime scene. LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the scene investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with the LAPD’s policies and procedures.

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.