Southeast Area Law Enforcement Related Injury NRF010-19ma

**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**

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating a Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI) which occurred in Southeast Division.

On April 8, 2019, around 5:20 a.m., officers assigned to Southeast Division responded to a 415 man with a knife radio call in the 10400 block of South Figueroa Street. At the location, officers attempted to detain Juan Romero. Romero refused to comply with the commands of the officers. Officers used physical force to take Romero into custody.

Romero appeared to be under the influence of narcotics and was transported to a local hospital by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Romero was admitted to the hospital by the medical staff. The medical personnel could not immediately rule out whether the physical force used by officers contributed to Romero needing to be admitted or not.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence.

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 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.