Harbor Area Officer-Involved Shooting NRF023-19bm

UPDATED: The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Harbor Area Police Officer IIs Kevin Chavez, Serial No. 41195, and Jorge Blanco, Serial No. 41341.

**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**

San Pedro: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting which occurred in Harbor Area.

On May 27, 2019, around 9:35 p.m., officers assigned to the Harbor Area Gang Enforcement Detail were responding to a radio call of an “Ambulance Shooting” in the 1000 block of West 254th Street. When officers arrived, they observed the suspect, Kenneth Rosales, walking eastbound on the north sidewalk of West 253rd Street carrying an assault rifle. The officers ordered Rosales to stop and drop the weapon, but he failed to do so. Rosales pointed the rifle at the officers, resulting in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS).

Rosales was struck by gunfire and treated at scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition and expected to survive.

No officers were injured during the incident and an assault rifle was recovered from the scene.

There is homicide investigation that may or may not be related to the suspect Rosales that is being handled by the Harbor Area Homicide Unit.

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 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.