Harbor Division Officer-Involved Shooting NRF045-19bm

October 3, 2019 NRF045-19bm

UPDATE:

The officers involved in the below incident has been identified as Harbor Area Police Officer III Sterling Byrd, Serial No. 41343, Police Officer II Matthew Vocke, Serial No. 37062, and Police Officer II Diego Millan, Serial No. 42169.

**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**

Wilmington: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved-Shooting in which officers shot a man armed with a handgun.

On September 23, 2019, around 6:25 p.m., uniformed officers assigned to Harbor Area responded to an “ADW Shooting” call inside a mobile home community at 1000 Figueroa. Upon arrival, the officers encountered a naked male, later identified as David Hernandez, acting erratically. As officers were giving D. Hernandez verbal commands, his father, Raymond Hernandez, exited a nearby trailer. R. Hernandez shielded his right hand behind his back and positioned himself behind D. Hernandez. R. Hernandez failed to comply with the officer’s verbal commands. While still shielding himself behind D. Hernandez, R. Hernandez produced a handgun from behind his back and pointed it in the direction of the officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting.

R. Hernandez was struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at scene by Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedics. No officers were injured and a 9mm semiautomatic handgun was recovered at scene.

D. Hernandez was not struck by gunfire. He was taken into custody after a Non-Categorical Use of Force. The Medical Evaluation Unit was notified and D. Hernandez was placed on a 5150 hold.

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.