Los Angeles Police Department Fights Violent Crime NR15070lp

Los Angeles: Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department are faced every day with situations that can become violent. In the past few days, officers faced four violent incidents here is a brief synopsis of those incidents.

On March 3, 2015 around, 5:50 a.m., 77th Area officers observed a group of males, one of which was covering his face in the area of 71st Street and Denker Avenue. The officers attempted to make contact with the individuals, at which time at least one of the males in the group fired at the officers. The officers were unable to return fire and called other units for back up. Officers set up a perimeter and all suspects were detained without incident. This is an ongoing investigation.

On March 3, 2015, around 10 p.m., West Valley Area officers were transporting a suspect in their patrol vehicle when they observed a shooting in progress. The officers called for backup and requested ambulances for the three victims that were then transported to local area hospitals. Officers did not take action in order to protect the suspect in the back of their vehicle. This is an ongoing investigation.

On March 3, 2015, around 11:20 p.m., Hollenbeck Area officers were patrolling the area of Soto Street and Boulder Street for a suspect vehicle sought for several shootings in the East Los Angeles area. The officers observed a vehicle that matched the description and began following it, while requesting a backup and airship to their location. The vehicle stopped in an alley and two suspects got out of the vehicle, one of them armed with a gun. An officer involved shooting occurred in which the suspect sustained non-life threatening injuries.

A short foot pursuit occurred and a second suspect was also taken into custody. The driver of the vehicle drove off, and a short vehicle pursuit occurred. The driver crashed into a parked vehicle in the 2800 block of Boulder Street. The driver ran from the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued. While attempting to take the suspect in custody, a use of force occurred. When officers were trying to take the third suspect into custody, two individuals were interfering with the officers and were also placed under arrest. All five individuals were arrested and a gun was recovered in the alley where the shooting occurred. This is an ongoing investigation.

On March 4, 2015, around 12 p.m., channel 11 reporter was there to document the conditions there. While they were in the area, a male grabbed one of the cameras and a struggle ensued. The cameraman retained his camera and they immediately called police. As LAPD officers arrived, the same suspect grabbed an officer’s holster with both of his hands. During the struggle, the suspect was tased two times. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody.

The officers suffered minor injuries. They were treated and released at scene. The suspect did not have any visible injuries and refused medical treatment. The suspect refused to provide any identification. The victims did not complain of any injuries.

Chief Beck was in the area on an unrelated matter and did not witness the incident.

If you anyone has any information regarding any of these incidents, please contact Force Investigation Division at (213) 486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.