Hollenbeck Detective Officer Involved Shooting NRF062-16ma

**The following information is based on a preliminary, 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**

Los Angeles: Hollenbeck detective and officer transported an arrestee to a medical building within the Los Angeles County Medical Center. The arrestee ran from the detective and officer and carjacked a woman in a SUV. The detective and officer arrived at the location and as the arrestee attempted to flee in the vehicle, an officer involved shooting occurred.

On Wednesday September 28, 2016, around 3:30 p.m. Detective David Meza, Serial No. 27325, a 26-year veteran of LAPD, and a police officer partner, had transported 36-year-old Freddy Bailon to a medical building located within the Los Angeles County Medical Center for a medical examination. While in the reception area of the building, the handcuffs were removed from Bailon so he could complete some required forms. Bailon suddenly ran from the building, pursued by the detective and officer. When Bailon reached Zonal Avenue, he opened the front passenger door and entered a SUV which was stopped on the roadway. Bailon punched the woman driving the SUV and demanded she drive him from the location. The woman was able to escape her SUV and run from Bailon. Bailon climbed into the driver seat of the SUV and intentionally collided twice with a construction vehicle which had pulled into the roadway to block Bailon’s path. Detective Meza, who knew the violent acts Bailon had recently committed and saw he had carjacked a woman in his attempt to escape, feared if Bailon was able to flee the area he posed a serious danger to the community, fired one round at Bailon. Bailon was still in control of the SUV and reversed; at which time, Detective Meza fired another round at Bailon. Bailon accelerated and struck a parkway where he collided with several trees.

The officers immediately requested Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, who responded to the scene and transported Bailon to a local hospital where he received medical treatment for a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and right forearm.

Bailon has a lengthy criminal history which includes several convictions for violent offenses.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting which will be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and tactics employed by the officers complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.

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.