Mission Division Officer-Involved-Shooting NRF013-18ma

En Espanol

March 5, 2018

The officer involved in the incident has been identified as Mission Patrol Division Police Officer Michael Martinez, Serial No. 42805. **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**

Los Angeles: On February 26, 2018, around 8:45 a.m., officers assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department Mission Division responded to a radio call in the 9100 block of Kester Avenue. The comments of the call described a man armed with a knife and a gun who wanted to kill himself. When officers arrived at the location, a man, later identified as Orbel Nazarians, came out of a garage of one of the homes.

He was armed with a metal edged weapon with a pointed end. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Nazarians charged in the direction of the officers. One officer fired a beanbag shotgun, one officer fired a TASER and one officer fired a round from their handgun at Nazarians.

Twenty two-year-old Nazarians, was struck by the gunfire. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and determined he was dead. A two-foot metal edged weapon with a pointed tip was recovered at the scene. No officers were injured.

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. Personnel from the LAPD Family Liaison Unit were present and met with Nazarians’ family.

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. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who responded to the scene will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officer(s) was reasonable.

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 Tip.”