U.S. Marshal to Honor 55 LAPD Officers for Heroism

Los Angeles: On November 20, 2000, Deputy United States Marshals Larry Gloth and Chris Daniels entered an apartment complex in Marina Del Rey in search of a fugitive. Upon arriving, the two Deputy U.S. Marshals encountered gunfire through the closed door of the fugitive’s apartment, wounding Deputy Gloth in the upper arm and severing an artery causing him to bleed profusely. With the assistance of a neighbor who provided first aid to Gloth, Deputy Daniels was able to call for assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
As Los Angeles Police officers started to arrive, the fugitive suspect began to shower the street with gunfire from his balcony wounding LAPD Officer Gerry Smedley. Deputy Daniels notified arriving LAPD officers that time was running out for his partner because of his considerable blood loss. At great risk to their personal safety, LAPD officers and LAFD paramedics entered the complex and rescued the wounded Deputy.
In the end both Deputy Gloth and Officer Smedley recovered from their wounds and are currently on the job. The suspect was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
To honor the heroic assistance provided from the LAPD and LAFD, the U.S. Marshal will conduct a ceremony on July 19, 2002, at 12:30 PM, in the courtroom of the Honorable Consuelo B. Marshall, U.S. District Court Judge, located at the United States Courthouse, 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles. The honorees will consist of 55 LAPD officers and two LAFD paramedics. Los Angeles Chief of Police Martin Pomeroy will attend the ceremony.

The United States Courthouse prohibits cameras in the courtroom; however, a photo opportunity will be available on the courthouse steps immediately following the courtroom ceremony

This press release was prepared by Sergeant John Pasquariello, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.