Officer Involved Shooting Investigation

 
Los Angeles: On Friday, March 19, 2004, at about 12:55 p.m., Pacific Area Special Problems Unit, uniformed Police Officers Rahsaan Fobbs, five years with the Department and Russell Higa, seven years with the Department, were on patrol in a hybrid police vehicle. The officers approached the intersection of Bagley Avenue and Exposition Boulevard, they observed a man on a bicycle approach the driver side of dark colored sport utility vehicle.
The officers believed that a narcotic transaction had taken place and began to follow the suspect. As he rode away, Officer Fobbs directed the suspect to pull to the south side of the street. The suspect refused and continued riding west. The suspect quickly abandoned his bicycle and ran away. He jumped over fences and up the south embankment of the Santa Monica Freeway.
Both officers pursued the suspect up the freeway embankment. The suspect ran onto the Santa Monica Freeway where he was struck by an eastbound car; however, he recovered and continued north across the freeway, then down the north embankment. The officers set up a perimeter around Club Drive and National Boulevard. Information provided by citizens indicated the suspect was seen at the rear of an apartment building at 3419 Club Drive. A search team was organized and began a systematic search of the apartment complexes on the 3400 block of Club Drive.
Officer Fobbs saw the suspect hiding inside a storage cabinet. Officer Fobbs ordered the suspect not to move. However, the suspect did not comply, and quickly raised his hand at the officers while holding a dark object. Officer Fobbs fired one round from his service pistol, striking the suspect.
The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. A Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance transported the suspect to Century Hospital where he was admitted and treated for gunshot wounds to his arm and leg. A search of the suspect, the carport and the area from where he ran was conducted. No weapons or contraband were found.
After receiving medical treatment at the hospital the suspect was released. He was not booked for any crime. The suspect’s name will not be released.
This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.