K9 Contact with Hospitalization in Southeast Division NRF051-23lr

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating a K9 contact with hospitalization that occurred in Southeast Division.

On September 25, 2023, around 3:10 p.m., Southeast Division uniformed officers received a LoJack alert for a stolen Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and saw the vehicle driving eastbound Century Boulevard from Main Street. As the officers conducted a U-turn to verify the license plate, the suspect’s vehicle immediately accelerated away in an effort to evade officers, prompting the initiation of a pursuit. The pursuit terminated when the suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Daniel Montiel, exited the driver’s seat of the vehicle and fled into a large property located at the 9400block of South Main Street. The location is a construction scrap yard with multiple free-standing bungalow style units on the property. Containment was established around the location and after an initial assessment, officers believed Montiel had fled the area. As the officers began to break down containment, a citizen informed officers that an unknown male was seen hiding between some of the units.

Metropolitan Division K9 officers responded to the scene and prepared to search the area. Prior to conducting the search, multiple K9 announcement warnings were broadcast via the public announcement systems around the perimeter. As the K9 search was in progress, Montiel was located secreted in overgrown brush and debris, where a K9 contact occurred. Montiel subsequently exited the area and surrendered to officers.

Montiel was transported by the Los Angeles Fire Department rescue ambulance to a local hospital where he was treated by medical staff for his injuries. Montiel was later released from the hospital and cleared for booking. Montiel was booked for California Vehicle Code 2800.2(A) VC– Felony Evading, Booking No. 6684567. No officers or other community members were injured as a result of this incident.

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