Man Attempting to Disarm Officer Shot

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Police Officer shot a suspect attempting to disarm another officer during a struggle.

On October 31, 2007, at about 10:55 a.m., officers observed a man riding a bicycle holding a possible handgun in his waistband in the 1000 block of East 22nd Street. The suspect, Gerardo Rojas, 19, refused to comply with the officer’s demands and continued riding eastbound on 22nd Street towards Central Avenue. Officers requested a back-up as Rojas abandoned his bicycle and began running while still clutching his waistband. Officers chased and caught Rojas in a yard where he began fighting the officers.

During the struggle Rojas attempted to disarm one of the officers. The officer alerted his partner and arriving back up Officer Mark Hyland. Officer Hyland fired one round striking Rojas in the upper right arm allowing the officer to regain control of his weapon. Rojas was taken into custody without further incident.

The officers recovered a loaded .25 caliber chrome handgun from Rojas.

Rojas was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the upper right arm. The officers involved in the struggle sustained minor injuries and were treated and released.

Force Investigation Division is handling this incident.