LAPD Officer-Involved Shooting In Hawthorne NRF050-17bm

Update: August 3, 2017

The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer III David Keortge, Serial No. 30896, Joseph Dominguez, Serial No. 31216, Detective III Robert Kraus, Serial No. 22469 and Detective II Victor Ross, Serial No. 25446.

**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** Hawthorne: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in the City of Hawthorne.

On June 29, 2017, around 9:50 a.m., Special Investigation Section (SIS) and uniformed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers were conducting surveillance on Qasim Knox, a previously identified murder suspect. The officer’s surveillance escalated into a short vehicle pursuit, which terminated when Knox exited his vehicle near the intersection of Aviation Boulevard and El Segundo Boulevard, in the City of Hawthorne. Knox fled on foot into a large residential complex in the area.

SIS, SWAT, and uniformed Hawthorne Police Department officers responded to the residential complex. As officers arrived, Knox fired a semiautomatic handgun at them, which resulted in two separate Officer-Involved-Shootings. The first OIS involved SWAT officers and the second involved SIS and Hawthorne Police Department officers.

Knox was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital where he continues to be treated for his injuries.

A SWAT officer was struck by the suspect’s gunfire and transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released.

Officers recovered a loaded semiautomatic handgun at scene.

Robbery Homicide Division detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation of the Attempted Murder of LAPD and Hawthorne officers by Knox.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. FID will also review and collect all available body worn and digital in car video. The Office of the Inspector General and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office had representatives at the scene. The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force 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.