Man Stabs Himself after Threatening Wife and Sister-in-Law NR09505rh

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Officers (LAPD) fired a less-lethal weapon to rescue a woman and prevent a man from stabbing himself.  

On October 14, 2009, Police Officer III Steven Nunez, 10 years, four months with the LAPD and his partner were working uniformed patrol in the Foothill Area of Los Angeles.  At about 1:50 p.m., they responded to a radio call related to domestic violence.

When officers arrived at a residence in the 8900 Block of Cayuga Avenue, they encountered a woman who told them her husband was inside the residence armed with a knife.  She also told them her sister was inside the house.  Officers, in fear for the sister’s safety, moved toward an open window and saw 69-year-old Fermin Lagua stabbing himself in the chest.  Additional officers arrived and repeatedly ordered Lagua to drop the knife.  When he failed to cooperate, Officer Nunez fired a less-lethal weapon, striking him multiple times.  Lagua was then taken into custody, and his wife’s sister was found unharmed hiding in a closet.  

The officers requested medical assistance, and paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded.  Lagua was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was treated for a stab wound to the chest and a contusion to the left side of his chest.  No officers were injured during the incident.

Lagua was also arrested, booked for Criminal Threats and released on bail October 17, 2009.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division responded and is investigating the Law Enforcement Related Injury.  Foothill Area detectives are investigating the Criminal Threats.