Southeast Area Officer-Involved Shooting NRF016-19ma

**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**

South Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting in which officers were shot at by a man with gun.

On April 22, 2019, around 6:45 a.m., officers assigned to Southeast Area were responding to multiple radio calls of a “Man with a Gun” in the area of Figueroa Street and West Gardena Boulevard. As Police Officers II Andrew Do, Serial No. 43209 and Bryan Tahuite, Serial No. 42780 approached the intersection, they saw a man they believed was the suspect, later identified as 36-year-old David Flores, armed with a handgun. Flores shot at the officers as they exited their vehicle, resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

Flores was struck by gunfire and pronounced deceased at the scene. No officers were injured. One of the rounds fired by Flores struck the front passenger door panel of the police vehicle the officers were driving.

The handgun used by Flores was recovered by detectives.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the 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. 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) violated any criminal laws.

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.