Motorcycle Officer Confronted by Man Armed with Two Handguns NRF055-16ma

**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: A motorcycle officer saw a male exit a vehicle he had noticed with vehicle code violations. The officer followed the male who appeared to have a handgun. As the officer approached the male, he saw the male was armed with two handguns and an officer involved shooting occurred.

On Tuesday, August 16, 2016, around 3:30 p.m., Valley Traffic Division motorcycle officer Evan Urias, Serial No. 34412, assigned to Community Safety Operations Center (CSOC) was in the area of Figueroa Street and Century Boulevard. Officer Urias saw a dark four door sedan with no front license plate, possibly a rear paper plate and dark tinted windows. Officer Urias intended to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle when a passenger, later identified as Kenny Watkins, exited the vehicle and walked away. Officer Urias saw Watkins with his hands at his waistband and believed Watkins was concealing a handgun. Officer Urias broadcast to Communications Division he was following a man with a gun and requested back-up. As the officer followed Watkins, he began running eastbound on Century Boulevard and he saw a handgun in Watkins left hand and the barrel of a second gun was visible. When Officer Urias and Watkins were mid-block on Century Boulevard east of Figueroa Street, Watkins turned toward the officer; at which time the officer fired two rounds at Watkins. Watkins was struck and fell to the ground.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and determined Watkins to be deceased. There was a revolver and handgun recovered at scene.

This is the 17th incident in 2016 where a suspect was armed with a firearm or replica firearm resulting in a use of deadly force incident with an 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.