Suspect Wounded In Officer Involved Shooting

 
Los Angeles: On January 11, 2004 at approximately 6:50 a.m., West Valley Patrol Officers N. Noles, 32 years of age and four years with the Department, and D. Salcedo, 41 years of age and seven years with the Department received a radio call relative to a robbery in progress at 18401 Burbank Boulevard. The officers knocked on the door of the business and the door was opened from inside. Officer Salcedo observed a suspect, later identified as 29 year-old Keith Clark, standing by the door with a semi-automatic handgun pointed at the floor.
Officer Salcedo ordered Clark to drop the gun as both officers drew their service pistols. Clark failed to comply and kicked the door shut. The officers requested assistance and at the same time they heard a gunshot and the sound of breaking glass. The officers deployed to a parking lot on the north side of the building. Officer Noles observed Clark jump out of the office window into the parking lot while still holding a gun in his hand. Officer Noles ordered Clark to drop the gun. Clark failed to comply and pointed the gun at Noles. Officer Noles, in fear for his life, fired his pistol at Clark. Clark dropped the pistol and surrendered. He was taken into custody without incident and a .45 caliber handgun was recovered at the scene.
Clark sustained a gunshot wound to his arm and was treated at a local hospital for a non-life threatening injury. Neither officer was injured during the incident.
This incident is being investigated by Robbery-Homicide Division and anyone with information is asked to call 213-485-2511. A 24 hour toll free number is available for the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).
This news release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.