Officer-Involved-Shooting in Southwest Division NRF024-20cr

April 26, 2021

***UPDATE ***

The officers involved in below incident have been identified as Detectives, Jesus Martinez, Serial No. 34593, Jedd Levin, Serial No. 33733, Bryce Kirk, Serial No. 37394, Police Officer III, Edwin Rocha, Serial No. 38526 and Police Officer II Nallely Avila, Serial No. 41959.

**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 Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS) that occurred Monday evening, in Southwest Division.

On June 1, 2020, around 9:24 p.m., two male suspects (who were later identified as 20-year-old Daizon Blue and 18-year-old Mosiq Jones) along with a third individual named Damion Henninger, were at a gas station located at the 2200 block of South Vermont Avenue. The males were standing next to a silver Hyundai that was parked at a gas pump.

During that time, Southwest Division plain clothes Narcotics Enforcement Detail (NED) officers were in the area driving an unmarked sedan conducting crime suppression due to recent protests and looting. As the officers drove through the gas station lot, they observed one of the suspects point a firearm at their vehicle. The officers drove out of the gas station and immediately broadcasted a request for back-up. Moments later, additional Southwest NED officers, who were driving an unmarked van, drove into the gas station lot and were immediately fired upon by Jones and Blue. Both suspects fired multiple rounds, striking the officers van as it came to a stop, at which time an Officer-Involved-Shooting occurred. Jones and Blue then dropped their weapons, surrendered, and were taken into custody.

Neither Jones nor Blue were struck by gunfire. Henninger was struck by gunfire and was also taken into custody. The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported Henninger to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries that were determined not to be life-threatening. Henninger was not arrested and was released. Jones and Blue were subsequently arrested and booked for attempt murder.

One NED officer sustained a minor graze wound during the incident. He was treated at a local hospital and later released.

Two loaded handguns were located at scene and recovered as evidence.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) 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 scene 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 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 officers(s) was reasonable.