Close Call For LAPD Officers in Nickerson Gardens

"Close Call For LAPD Officers in Nickerson Gardens"
 
WHO:
Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, Los Angeles Police Commissioner David S. Cunnigham III, Deputy Chief Earl Paysinger, Commanding Officer South-Bureau, Council Members

WHAT:
Press Conference

WHERE:
Los Angeles Police Department
Parker Center
150 North Los Angeles Street

WHEN:
December 4, 2003
3:00 p.m.

Los Angeles: On Thursday, December 4, 2003, Officers Stephen Ralph and Greg Travino were assigned to work in the area of Nickerson Gardens in Southeast Area. The officers were in uniform and driving a black and white police vehicle. At 5:05 a.m., the officers were conducting a "Missing Child" investigation. The officers were driving northbound Success Avenue from Imperial Highway. The officers were mid-block when they observed a suspect standing on the east sidewalk armed with an assault rifle equipped with a laser sight. The suspect pointed the weapon at the officers and fired a single round at them. The bullet impacted the hood, disabling the vehicle. The officers took cover and did not see the suspect’s escape route. The officers did not return fire and they were not injured.
The suspect is described as a male Black, 6’4", 240 lbs. The suspect was wearing in light colored knit watch cap, long sleeved light colored sweatshirt and dark colored pants. The suspect still being sought and has not been identified at this time.
Updates from recent ambushes in Southeast Area on November 25, 2003, Hollenbeck Area on December 1, 2003 and Air Support Division on November 22, 2003, will be given. Two black and white police vehicles and a replica of the weapon used will be on display.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact Detective Ron Hartwell, Robbery-Homicide Division, at 213-485-2129. On weekends and during off-hours, please contact the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
This news advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Sandra Escalante, Media Relations, 213-485-3586.