Dakota, a Member of the LAPD Mounted Unit, Injured During Crowd Control

Los Angeles – On Monday, August 14, 2000, at approximately 8:45 p.m., personnel assigned to Metropolitan Division were involved in the dispersal of a violent crowd at Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street. Officers from Metropolitan Division’s Mounted Platoon were moving a crowd from the demonstration area when they were attacked by a barrage of rocks, golf balls, cement pieces, and other dangerous bottles. Police Officer III Kelli Shurian, Serial No. 27344 was riding police equine "Dakota". Both were struck by numerous objects including bottles. After striking Officer Shurian and Dakota, the bottles shattered resulting in two lacerations to the right rear leg of Dakota.

Dakota sustained a 1 ½" laceration and a second 1" laceration/puncture wound. The puncture wound bled profusely. Since the officers were under attack from the violent crowd Officer Shurian and Dakota continued their assigned duty to clear the crowd. At the conclusion of their mission, Dakota’s wounds were examined and determined to be serious in nature. A pressure bandage was used to stem any further bleeding. An examination of the injury this morning, August 15, 2000, indicated that sutures would not be necessary to close the wound. Dakota has exhibited stiffness to the rear leg and is unable to be utilized by the Department at this point. An examination by a veterinarian will be conducted if further problems are observed.

The officers of the Mounted Platoon form a strong bond between themselves and their horses. Rather than going home, Officer Shurian remained at the DNC staging area throughout the night to ensure that Dakota was safe and to apply any further care as necessary.

Police Officer Shurian and Dakota will be available for viewing and photographs by the media, between the hours of 2:00 P.M. and 3:30 P.M. at Parker Administration Building, 150 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles.

If you have further questions regarding this matter, contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.