In-Custody Death (ICD) in Central Area – NRF061-23dm

**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**

Los Angeles:  On October 26, 2023, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Central Division uniformed officers were flagged down for a stabbing that occurred at 6^th Street and Spring Street.  Responding officers discovered a victim of a stabbing on the southwest corner of 6^th Street and Spring Street and were subsequently directed to the 4^th floor of an apartment building located in the 200 block of West 6^th Street, where the suspect was last seen.  As officers arrived at the 4^th floor, they encountered an additional victim of a stabbing.  Officers determined that the suspect was possibly located in and apartment on the fourth floor.  As a team of officers assembled and conducted a door knock of the apartment, the suspect emerged from the front door, armed with a large kitchen knife and began to advance toward officers.  Officers subsequently deployed three 40mm Less-Lethal-Launcher (LLL) rounds and discharged three TASER’s in Probe Mode at the suspect, all of which appeared to have a limited or no effect on him. The suspect repeatedly asked the officers to kill him.  After the final TASER Probe was fired at the suspect, he began to stab himself in the abdominal area with his knife.  The suspect fell to the floor and was taken into custody without further incident.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported the suspect and the two stabbing victims, by rescue ambulance to a local hospital.  The suspect and one stabbing victim succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased.  The additional stabbing victim remains hospitalized and is listed in critical condition.

No officers or other community members were injured as a result of this incident.

A10-inch fixed blade knife with a black handle was recovered and booked as evidence.

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.  Operations-Central Bureau Homicide investigators also responded to investigate the murder of one of the victims.  Notification to the deceased next of kin are pending.