Law Enforcement Related Injury in Central Division – NRF039-23bb

**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: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating a Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI) that occurred in Central Division.

On August 14, 2023, at around 11:15 p.m., Central Division uniformed officers received a radio call of a “Man with a Knife,” in the area of  South Hope Street and West Pico Boulevard. As officers arrived at the location, a community member directed them to the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old James Anthony Brown, who was walking through an open parking lot. Officers began to give verbal commands to Brown, who after several minutes, complied with the officers’ orders.

As officers approached Brown and prepared to take him into custody, he suddenly began to resist and a Non-Categorical Use of Force (NCUOF) occurred. Brown was ultimately taken into custody without  further incident and transported to Central Area Police Station for processing.

While at the station, officers observed a laceration on Brown’s head and requested the Los Angele Fire Department (LAFD) for a medical  evaluation of Brown. LAFD personnel responded to the station and transported Brown by ambulance to a nearby hospital. While at the  hospital, a second NCUOF occurred, as Brown assaulted hospital nursing staff and security personnel. No injuries were reported as a result of the assault. Brown was later admitted into the hospital for Rhabdomyolysis. One officer, bit by Brown during the initial NCUOF, did not require medical attention. No other officers or community members were injured during this incident.

Prior to police arrival, Brown was in possession of a piece of steel rebar which was used to damage a victim’s car door. An approximate 12-inch piece of steel rebar was recovered at scene and booked as evidence.

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.