Drug Dealer Shot and Killed

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles drug dealer was shot and killed by 77th Area officers Monday afternoon after he wrested control of an officer’s firearm during a struggle with police.

On May 1, 2006, around 3:00 p.m., 77th Narcotics Detectives saw a drug deal in progress in the Vermont Square area of Los Angeles. When the detectives attempted to arrest the seller, subsequently identified as Henry Washington, 42, a male Black, the suspect resisted and fled on foot. A brief foot pursuit ensued and ended on the eastside of Vermont Avenue, just north of 47th Street. The officers put out a Help Call as they struggled and fought to take Washington into custody.

77th Area Officer Luis Bonilla, 29 years, with 7 years on the force, and his partner, Officer Orlando Diaz, 29, also with 7 years on the force, responded to the Help Call. When they arrived, they saw Washington in control of an embattled officer’s firearm, as the suspect and officer fought on the ground. An officer involved shooting occurred.

Paramedics responded to the location and pronounced the suspect dead at the scene. One officer was treated for superficial bite wounds from the suspect and scratches to his arm. He was treated for his injuries and released.

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