Officer-Involved-Shooting at LAPD Harbor Division NRF042-20cr

**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**

October 1, 2020

UPDATE The Harbor Division officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Sergeant II Robin Aguirre, Serial No. 34650 and Police Officer III Anthony Freeman, Serial No. 24460.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS) that occurred Saturday evening, at the Los Angeles Police Department’s Harbor Community Police Station.

On September 26, 2020, around 9:59 p.m., a male Hispanic, later identified as 29-year-old, Jose Guzman, entered the front lobby of the Harbor Community Police Station. Guzman was met by the Harbor Area uniformed desk officer at which time Guzman engaged the officer in a physical altercation by punching him on the face causing the officer to fall backwards onto the floor. While on the ground Guzman began to struggle over the officer’s gun and managed to remove the gun from the officer’s holster and gain control of the gun. Guzman continued his assault and hit the officer on the head with the gun causing lacerations and immediate bleeding. As Guzman stood up he pointed the gun at the officer and began to retreat towards the front door. The on-duty Assistant Watch Commander (AWC) responded to the front lobby at which point the officer informed the AWC that Guzman had his gun. As the AWC turned to address Guzman, he turned and fired at the AWC which precipitated an Officer-Involved-Shooting. Guzman was not struck by gunfire and fled the station in his vehicle.

Responding officers observed Guzman’s vehicle and initiated a pursuit which terminated at Pacific Avenue and 17th Street, where he was taken into custody involving of a non-categorical use of force. Guzman sustained minor abrasions, was medically treated and was released for booking.

A loaded 9mm Berretta semi-automatic pistol was recovered from Guzman’s vehicle.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the officer to a local hospital where he was medically treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

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 on-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 was reasonable.