Armed Gang Member Shoots at Officer Resulting in Officer Involved Shooting NRF029-16ma

September 7, 2016 NRF029-16ma

Updated: The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer II Miguel Ruano, Serial No. 39417.

**The following information is based on a preliminary, 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**

Hollenbeck: Officers pursued a gang member on foot who was armed with a handgun. The suspect shot one of the officers; at which time, the partner officer shot the suspect.

On Friday, May 13, 2016, around 8:25 p.m., Hollenbeck Area Gang Enforcement Detail officers were in the area of 7th Street and Lorena when they saw the suspect, who was identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office as 28 year-old Robert Mark Diaz, standing with a group of several males. As the officers neared the group, Diaz separated himself, drawing the attention of the officers. As Diaz ran north on Lorena, the officers chased him on foot. Diaz ran east on Lee Street and the officers were able to close the distance. Diaz then produced a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and fired six rounds at the pursuing officers, striking one of them in his right arm. The partner officer fired at Diaz, striking him, stopping the deadly threat.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene to provide medical treatment. Diaz died at the scene. A first responder officer arrived and applied a tourniquet to the injured officer. Both officers were transported and admitted to a local hospital. One of the officers was treated for a gunshot wound to his arm. The second officer was treated for pain to his neck, shoulder and hand. Both officers have been released from the hospital.

Investigators recovered the handgun used by Diaz. Diaz is a documented gang member with a lengthy criminal record.

Chief Charlie Beck responded to the scene of the officer-involved-shooting and the hospital where the officers had been transported. Chief Beck said “Tonight was a vivid example of the danger officers face. We are fortunate that we didn’t lose a Los Angeles police officer and a family didn’t lose their husband, son and father of a young daughter.”

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting which will be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and tactics employed by the officers complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.

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.