LAPD Officer-Involved Shooting in Newton Division NRF007-20fp

April 26, 2021

***UPDATE ***

The officers involved in below incident have been identified as Police Officer II Bardo Zavala Serial No. 42298 and Police Officer II Franco Velazquez, Serial No. 42563, assigned to Newton Area.

**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**

Newton: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting (OIS) in which officers were fired upon by a suspect.

On February 25, 2020, around 10:09 p.m., Newton Patrol Division officers were traveling east on East 41st Street towards McKinley Avenue in a marked black and white police vehicle. The officers observed an individual, who was later identified as Corey Jackson, standing on the sidewalk at the southeast corner of the intersection. Without warning, Jackson pointed a handgun at the officers, while they were still seated in their police vehicle and fired multiple rounds at them.

Both officers returned fire at Jackson, who fled on foot. After a perimeter was established, the area was searched by Metropolitan Division SWAT and K-9 personnel. Jackson was ultimately located hiding in the rear yard of a residence, approximately one block south from where the OIS occurred and was bitten by a Department K-9. A 9mm handgun was located in the same yard where Jackson was found.

Neither the officers nor Jackson were struck by gunfire during the incident. However, the officers’ police vehicle sustained an impact to the driver’s side front bumper.

Jackson was arrested and booked at 77th Street Jail for Attempt Murder of a Police Officer.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division 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 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”.