Officer-Involved-Shooting in Mission Division NRF047-18fp

August 1, 2018

En Español

***UPDATE***

The officer involved in the incident has been identified as Mission Division Police Officer II Miguel Alacron, Serial No. 38928.

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: On July 27, 2018, around 10:15 p.m., uniformed officers assigned to Mission Patrol Division conducted an investigative vehicle stop in the 9000 block of Noble Avenue. The subject of the stop was later identified as Richard Mendoza.

The officers approached Mendoza, who was the driver and sole occupant of his vehicle. Upon making contact, the officers verbally confirmed Mendoza was still on Federal Probation and requested he step out of the vehicle. When he did so, Mendoza produced a semiautomatic pistol and, without warning, began firing rounds at the officers, resulting in an Officer Involved Shooting.

One officer was struck by one of the rounds fired by Mendoza. She received medical care at scene by Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel and was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound and is listed in stable condition.

Mendoza was struck by gunfire. LAFD Rescue Ambulance transported Mendoza to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Officers located and recovered a .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol from the scene.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the investigation.

The LAPD will have further details regarding this incident in its Critical Incident Community Briefing scheduled for public release on September 10, 2018.

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.”