Hollenbeck Division Officer-Involved-Shooting NRF004-18ma

January 24, 2018

UPDATE

The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer II Edward Artiaga, Serial #40509, assigned to Hollenbeck Area.

**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**

En Espanol

Los Angeles: On January 14, 2018, around 6:30 a.m., officers assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Division responded to a radio call in the 3400 block of Amethyst Street. The comments of the call described two males who appeared to be sleeping on the ground behind a parked car and one of the men had a handgun. As the officers arrived, one of the men ran from the area. The other male, who was armed with a handgun, was illuminated by an officer and turned in the officer’s direction with the handgun; at which time there was an Officer-Involved Shooting.

The male, later identified as 22-year-old Christian Escobedo, was struck by gunfire. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and determined the suspect was dead. A loaded handgun was recovered at the scene. No officers were injured.

Investigators are still trying to identify and locate the male who ran from the scene.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the scene 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) was reasonable.

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.