SWAT Officer-Involved Shooting in Mission Division NRF011-24ma

UPDATED
March 13, 2024 NRF011-24bb

On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officer(s)name who was involved in an OIS that occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Mission Area. Involved Metropolitan Division – Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Officer: Police Officer III Adam Sandoval, Serial No. 36347

**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 an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) in Mission Division.

On March 9, 2024, around 1:00 p.m., Mission Division officers responded to a radio call of a violent male with mental illness at an apartment in the 14000 block of Foothill Boulevard. The suspect of the radio call, later identified as Carlos Zepeda Jr., had forced entry into a family member’s apartment and struck a family member with a wooden stick. The family fled the apartment and called 9-1-1.

When officers arrived, Zepeda threatened to stab officers while brandishing kitchen shears. The officers established a perimeter and contacted Metropolitan Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit. SWAT responded and spent several hours negotiating with Zepeda to resolve the incident without force. A SWAT Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) that includes a psychologist and a Systemwide Mental Health Assessment Team (SMART) were also involved and attempted to resolve the incident without force. Ultimately, SWAT deployed a chemical agent in the apartment, and Zepeda exited. Zepeda was armed with a large kitchen knife with a 9 ½” blade. Despite multiple commands to drop the knife, Zepeda rapidly descended a courtyard staircase toward the officers. Less-lethal projectiles and electronic control devices were used, however Zepeda continued running toward officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. Zepeda was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel who were at the scene transported Zepeda to a local hospital, where he was admitted for treatment for his gunshot wounds and is listed in critical condition. Zepeda’s family member was not seriously injured and declined medical treatment. No officers or other community members were injured due to this incident. The knife Zepeda was armed with was recovered at the scene.

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