Murder Suspect Shot in Officer Involved Shooting NRF101-15ne

January 6, 2015 UPDATE

The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer III Richard Alba, Serial No. 25935.

** The following information is based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation that continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the incident may change as the investigation continues and additional evidence is collected and analyzed. ** Los Angeles: On December 27, 2015 a homicide occurred in Hollywood Division and LAPD detectives quickly identified a suspect. It was believed that the suspect who fled the scene used a firearm and was considered armed and dangerous.

Working with a Joint LAPD-FBI Fugitives Task Force, the investigators obtained search and arrest warrants for the suspect who was found in his parent’s home on the 3500 block of Strang Avenue in Rosemead, California.

Later that afternoon, LAPD officers surrounded the home and ordered the suspect to exit the house and surrender but the suspect refused. LAPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel responded and used its crisis negotiators in an attempt to get the suspect to surrender.

Several hours later, after attempting to contact the suspect and the suspect continuing to refuse to surrender, SWAT personnel introduced tear gas into the house. At some point, however, the suspect entered the rear yard and then eventually climbed onto a storage shed with an object in his hand. Officers assigned to the rear containment team ordered the suspect to surrender but he turned and pointed the object toward the officers. A SWAT officer then fired his rifle striking the suspect who then fell from the storage-shed roof into the rear yard. LAFD’s Tactical Emergency Medical Service personnel accompanying LAPD SWAT immediately rendered medical aid but he failed to respond and was pronounced dead at the scene. A hand-held torch lighter and cell phone were found next to the suspect.

LAPD’s Operations West Bureau Homicide Unit executed the search warrant and collected additional evidence at the home and from the suspect as part of its ongoing murder investigation.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the incident and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic and other evidence. FID’s ongoing investigation will include interviews of additional witnesses, statements from the involved officers, information from the Coroner’s investigation including the autopsy results and toxicology analysis, collection and analysis of any video evidence, examination of the weapons, ballistics comparisons, analysis of clothing, and DNA comparisons.

The Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners will determine whether the use of force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures after the investigation is completed. In addition, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to determine whether any of the officers’ actions violated California criminal statutes.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call LAPD’s Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.