Narcotics Officer Shoots at Suspect in Central Division NRF059-16ma

**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: While part of an undercover narcotics investigation, a plain clothes narcotics officer was assaulted by a man who punched him in the face. After the man reached into his waistband, the officer fired one round from his handgun missing the suspect.

On Friday, September 16, 2016, around 9:05 p.m., Gang and Narcotics Division Police Officer David Lopez, Serial No. 39711 was part of an undercover narcotics investigation which was being conducted in the area of 7th Street and San Julian. A man, later identified as 52-year-old Carl Evans, walked up to Officer Lopez, who was in plain clothes, and tried to reach into Officer Lopez’ sweat shirt pocket and punched him in the face. Officer Lopez backed away and saw Evans reach for his waistband. Believing Evans was arming himself, Officer Lopez fired one round at Evans. The round missed Evans and he was subsequently taken into custody by LAPD officers involved in the undercover operation.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and as a precautionary measure transported Evans to a local hospital. Officer Lopez received medical treatment by LAFD paramedics for a contusion to the inside of his upper lip.

The Los Angeles County City Attorney’s Office has filed one count of Battery, 242 PC against Evans.

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.