LAPD Officer-Involved Shooting in South Whittier NRF011-20fp

April 26, 2021

***Update ***

The officer involved in below incident has been identified as Police Officer III Guillermo Garcia, Serial No. 38089, assigned to Metropolitan Division.

**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**

South Whittier: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS) which occurred in South Whittier.

On March 31, 2020, around 5:08 p.m., two officers assigned to the Metropolitan Division Crime Impact Team were conducting a follow-up investigation in the unincorporated area of Whittier. As the officers sat inside their unmarked vehicle, they were approached by a male Hispanic later identified as Cesar Lopez (unrelated to their follow-up), who pointed a firearm at them, resulting in an Officer-Involved-Shooting. The suspect was struck by gunfire and was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect’s weapon, a loaded .380 caliber pistol, was recovered at scene.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital and was listed in stable condition.

No officers were injured during this incident.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division 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 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) violated any criminal laws.

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.