Officer-Involved-Shooting in Olympic Division NRF018-21ml

***Update ***

The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer III Andres Lopez, Serial No. 43137, assigned to Olympic Area.

**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: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in Olympic Division.

On March 23, 2021 around 2:20 p.m., LAPD a uniformed patrol officer was assisting a citizen outside the north front door of LAPD Olympic Division. The officers Body Worn Video captured the suspect waiting in the background. Once the officer was finished assisting the citizen, the officer observed the suspect produce a handgun.

A help call was broadcast, and additional uniformed personnel responded. Officers gave the suspect multiple commands to drop the gun; however, he refused to comply. The suspect raised the gun in the officers’ direction, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS).

The suspect was struck by gunfire and taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department rescue ambulance to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. The suspect was arrested for brandishing an imitation firearm, and the Mental Evaluation Unit was notified of the incident.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses and supervised the collection of evidence by the Forensic Science Division. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded to the scene and monitored the investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who responded to the scene will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officer was reasonable.