West Valley Officer-Involved Shooting NRF021-19bm

UPDATE: The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as West Velley Area Police Officer II Blake Csicsai, Serial No. 39200.

**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**

West Valley: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting which occurred in West Valley Division.

On May 26, 2019, around 7:38 p.m., officers assigned to West Valley Patrol Division responded to a radio call of a woman armed with a handgun in 8000 block Hesperia Avenue. Officers arrived and encountered a female Hispanic, later identified as Julie Fernandez, armed with a handgun, which she held pointed to her head. Officers tried to de-escalate the situation with Fernandez by verbalizing with her to drop the weapon but she refused. During the incident, Fernandez pointed the handgun in the direction of an officer and an Officer-Involved-Shooting occurred (OIS).

Fernandez was struck by gunfire and treated at scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. She was then transported to a local hospital where she is currently listed in stable condition and expected to survive.

No officers were injured during this incident and a handgun was recovered at scene.

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.