Hollenbeck Officers involved in OIS

Los Angeles: Hollenbeck Area officers assigned to Community Law Enforcement and Recovery (CLEAR), become involved in Officer-Involved Shooting while patrolling housing development.

On March 12, 2008, at 6:00 p.m., Police Officer Jorge Alfaro, 12 years 10 months with the Department and Officer Jacob Avalos, 4 years 9 months were in uniform, on foot in the Ramona Gardens Housing Development, where they were conducting gang injunction enforcement.

Alerted by fellow officers of a suspect riding a bicycle refusing to be detained, Officers Alfaro and Avalos spotted the suspect, later identified as 21-year-old Sergio Jose Rojas. The officers concealed themselves amongst some buildings, and as Rojas neared their location they attempted to stop him. Rojas, producing a small caliber pistol, abandoned his bicycle and began running from the officers.

As Avalos and Alfaro gave chase, Rojas pointed the pistol in their direction resulting in both officers discharging their weapons. Rojas sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center where he died from his wounds.

Rojas’ weapon, a chrome .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol, was recovered at scene.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the shooting.