Metropolitan Officer Involved Shooting in Newton Division NRF078-16ma

**The following information is based on a
preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to evolve as
investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic
records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s
understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as
additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: On November 28,
2016 around 1:00 p.m. Metropolitan Division officers were in the
area of Maple Avenue and 27th Street when they saw a male, later
identified as Pablo Cartagena, looking into a vehicle parked at the
curbside on Maple Avenue south of 27th Street. The officers
believed Cartagena may be preparing to break into the vehicle and
they stopped their unmarked police vehicle to conduct an
investigation. Cartagena ran from the officers and the officers saw
he was armed with a handgun. Cartagena ran to the rear of a
residence; at which time the officers stopped in the front and
began to request additional units to set up a perimeter. As the
officers waited, they heard a female yelling in the rear yard.
Fearing Cartagena was going to hurt the female, the officers ran
toward the rear yard. When one of the officers reached the rear
yard, he fired five shots at Cartegena, striking him.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and determined
Cartagena was deceased.

No officers were injured. A loaded handgun was recovered near
Cartagena.

photo of the handgun Cartagena possessed

In 2016 there have been 35 officer-involved-shootings. This is the
23nd incident in 2016 where a suspect was armed with a firearm or
replica firearm resulting in a use of deadly force incident with a
LAPD officer. In 2015, there were 19 incidents involving a suspect
with a firearm and 6 additional incidents where the suspect used a
replica firearm or pellet gun.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a
thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting which will
be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police
Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and
tactics employed by the officers complied with LAPD’s policies and
procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also
review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine
whether any criminal laws were violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged
to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:
•During business hours at (213) 486-5230;
•During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247);
•Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number
274637(C-R-I-M-E-S);
or
•Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web
Tips.