Man with a Gun Eludes Police

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles police officer fired at a suspect when the man pointed a gun at two officers, January 2, 2007, just after 10:00 P.M., near Toberman Park.

Earlier in their shift, Officer Hannu Tarjamo, 36, and his partner, both assigned to Rampart Police Station, had investigated reports of a man with a gun in the vicinity of Toberman Park, near the 1000 block of West 17th Street.

The officers returned around 10:00 P.M. to see if the gunman had returned to the area. As they walked through a vacant lot next to 1035 West 17th Street, they noticed the suspect run across the lot, drawing a gun from his waistband.

The young man, 17 to 20 years old, hid behind a carport with his gun drawn. As the officers approached, the suspect raised the gun, and Officer Tarjamo fired. The suspect ran away, and despite an extensive search by K-9 officers, he was not found. Detectives found no evidence that the suspect had been wounded.

The suspect would face charges of felony assault on a police officer if he were identified. He is described as Hispanic with a shaved head. He appeared to be a gang member. Force Investigation Division is assigned to investigate the officer-involved shooting.

Officer Tarjamo has nearly 10 years with the LAPD.

Anyone with information on this assault of the police officers is asked to call 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855). Callers may remain anonymous.