In-Custody Death on Hollywood Freeway and North Alameda Street NRF003-19fp

**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**

North Hollywood: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an in-custody death in which a male was pronounced dead at the scene.

On February 12, 2019, at approximately 3:25 p.m., a uniformed California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer observed a pedestrian on the Hollywood Freeway at Alameda Street. The CHP officer stopped his vehicle in the middle of southbound lanes and detained the pedestrian, later identified as Oscar Javier Rojas, and moved him to the south shoulder of the freeway.

An off duty, uniformed, LAPD lieutenant observed the CHP officer and stopped to assist. The CHP officer asked the LAPD lieutenant to guard Rojas, who was handcuffed, so he could move his vehicle out of traffic lanes. When the CHP officer returned to his vehicle, Rojas attempted to flee from the LAPD lieutenant who took Rojas to the ground. The CHP officer returned to assist the LAPD lieutenant. Rojas began to foam blood from his mouth, and a rescue ambulance was requested to respond for the medical emergency. The CHP officer and LAPD lieutenant attempted lifesaving measures.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the scene and attempted lifesaving measures to no avail. Rojas was pronounced dead at the scene.

Force Investigation Division and the CHP’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) responded and are handling the investigation.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. The FID investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s policy. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the incident.

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.