Olympic Division In-Custody Death NRF045-18bm

**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: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an In-Custody Death that occurred in Olympic area.

On Friday, July 20, 2018, around 3:04 p.m., uniformed Olympic Division patrol officers responded to a 415-man radio call. The call indicated a male Black was throwing himself into vehicles and laying down in the middle of the street on Vermont Avenue, between 1st and 2nd Street.

When the first officers arrived, they observed an individual, later identified as Jedison Swagerty, laying in the street. Using a firm grip, the officers physically removed Swagerty from the street and laid him on the sidewalk until the arrival of additional police personnel and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics. While waiting for the arrival of the additional resources, Swagerty displayed objective symptoms of drug intoxication and possible overdose.

After the arrival of sufficient police personnel and the LAFD, the officers approached Swagerty and utilized a firm grip and bodyweight to assist in handcuffing him. The officers’ actions were monitored by the on-scene supervisor. Swagerty was immediately evaluated by the on-scene LAFD paramedics and transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Force Investigation Division detectives responded and assumed investigative responsibility for this incident.

The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s policy. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the incident.

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.”