Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI) – NRF009-21dm

On March 9, 2021, around 8:05 a.m., Subject Marcos Ayala entered a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus, parked near the Canoga Orange Line Station, armed with a machete. The driver of the bus called Communications Division to report Ayala, and a radio call was assigned to Topanga Patrol Division officers. When officers arrived at scene, Ayala was on the sidewalk near the bus holding the machete in his right hand.

Despite numerous commands from officers to drop the machete, Ayala yelled at them to shoot him. As Ayala began walking toward a crowded thoroughfare, three officers deployed less-lethal munitions, striking Ayala in his right hand and middle torso area. Ayala dropped the machete and was taken into custody without further incident.

Ayala sustained an open fracture to his right middle finger and was transported to a local hospital by rescue ambulance. He was later admitted and underwent surgery for his finger. Ayala was then placed on a 72-Hour Mental Evaluation Hold.

No officers were injured during this incident. The machete was recovered at scene.

Force Investigation Division detectives responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.