Hollenbeck Division Officer-Involved Shooting NRF050-19ma

November 4, 2019

**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 Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting in which officers were fired upon by a suspect; resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

On October 22, 2019, around 9:40 p.m., three uniformed police officers assigned to Hollenbeck Area Special Problems Unit (SPU) were on Gless Street, south of 1st Street. Police Officers Mark Bravo, Serial No. 36154, Jose Carbajal, Serial No. 39480 and Michael Meraz, Serial No. 42991 were in a white, dual purpose police vehicle. They saw a male, later identified as Rudolfo Coleman, who they thought may have been involved in a recent criminal activity in the area. Coleman was walking on the west side of Gless Street. The police vehicle slowed and came to a stop as they prepared to conduct an investigative stop on Coleman. As the officers were exiting the police vehicle, Coleman fired upon them. The officers returned fire and Coleman ran southbound on Gless Street.

A perimeter was established and Special Weapons and Tactics and K9 officers conducted a search for Coleman. The search concluded and Coleman was not located.

One officer suffered a minor abrasion to his knee. It is not believed Coleman was struck by gunfire.

On October 24, 2019, Coleman was arrested in Los Angeles and booked for attempt murder on a peace officer. On October 28, 2019, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed three counts attempt murder on a peace officer, three counts assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and one count of possession of a firearm.

Coleman is a 29-year-old resident of Los Angeles and a documented gang member.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and 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 the 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(s) violated any criminal laws.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:

During business hours at (213) 486-5230; During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247); Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.