Law Enforcement Related Injury in 77th Division – NRF044-23lr

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating a Law Enforcement Related Injury that occurred in 77^th Division.

On August 29, 2023, around 2:35 p.m., 77th Street Division uniformed officers received a radio call of an “Assault with a deadly weapon suspect there now armed with a knife,” located in the 900 block of West 47th Street.  As officers arrived at the location, they observed that the subject, later identified as 41-year-old Jose Martinez Cuellar, barricaded himself inside the residence with the victim, while possibly armed with a knife.  The officers requested back-up units and a supervisor.

A team of officers entered the residence, and they gave numerous verbal commands for Cuellar to surrender, however, Cuellar suddenly armed himself with a kitchen knife.  Cuellar then raised the knife, which led to an officer deploying the 40mm less lethal launcher at Cuellar, striking him on the wrist.  Several minutes later, Cuellar surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

Cuellar was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted for a fracture and laceration to the right wrist.  Cuellar was listed in stable condition.  Cuellar will undergo a mental health evaluation upon completion of treatment for the non-life-threatening injuries he sustained.  Cuellar is a resident of Los Angeles.  Cuellar was booked for a Misdemeanor Warrant and 148.9 (A) PC – False Identification.  His is bail was set at $50,000, Booking No. 6669381.

A kitchen knife with a 6-inch blade and black handle, as well as three additional kitchen knives were recovered from the scene and booked as evidence.

No officers or other citizens were injured during this incident.  Force Investigation Division investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.