Man Gains Control of Officer’s Firearm Leading to an Officer Involved Shooting NR09502jr

Los Angeles:  During a struggle with Los Angeles Police Officers (LAPD), an Arlington Heights man gained control of an officer’s duty weapon, resulting in an officer involved shooting.

On October 15, 2009, Police Officer III Leslie Salinas, 6 years 11 months with the LAPD and her partner Police Officer I Alejandro Pineda, 10 months with the LAPD, were working uniformed patrol in the Wilshire Area of Los Angeles.  At about 5:20 p.m. Officers Salinas and Pineda responded to a radio call initiated by Los Angeles County social service providers.

Officers Salinas and Pineda arrived at a multi-plex residence in the 1500 Block of 4th Avenue and met the Los Angeles County workers.  The workers directed the officers to a location inside one of the apartments where they encountered 27 year old Dwayne West of Arlington Heights.  West struggled with the officers and eventually gained control of one of the officer’s duty pistol.  An officer involved shooting occurred and West was struck by gunfire multiple times.  

The officers requested medical assistance and paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded. West was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was treated for multiple gunshot wounds.     

Officer Salinas was also treated at an area hospital for injuries sustained during the struggle with West. Dwayne West was arrested and booked for the Attempt Murder of a Police Officer.  Bail has been set at $500,000.  

Detectives from Force LAPD’s Force Investigation Division responded and are investigating the officer-involved shooting and the crime against the officers.