Non-Categorical Use of Force in Newton Division NRF042-24ma

**The following information is based on a preliminary and 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 July 31, 2024, Force Investigation Division (FID) was directed by the Chief of Police to investigate a Non-Categorical Use of Force (NCUOF) incident that occurred in Newton Division.

On June 30, 2024, around 10:30 p.m., Newton Division uniformed officers were conducting crime suppression in the area of 70th Street and Main Street due to a recent increase in violent crime. Officers observed double-parked vehicles and individuals standing in the street drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana; they exited their police vehicle to warn the individuals to move the cars and to stop drinking and smoking in public. While warning the group, officers observed a male subject, later identified as being 17 years old, sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle double-parked in front of 133 West 70th Street. When the subject saw the officers, he appeared surprised, grabbed an unknown object, leaned forward, and secreted the item under the vehicle’s front passenger seat. Based on the officers’ training and experience, they believed the subject was attempting to conceal a firearm or contraband. The officers asked the subject to step out of the vehicle, and when he did, he immediately fled from the officers.

The officers went into foot pursuit of the subject and a Non-Categorical Use of Force (NCUOF) occurred.

During the incident, two officers were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. They were later released. The subject was also transported to a local hospital for medical treatment due to a TASER deployment that occurred during the NCUOF. The subject was released from the hospital, cleared for booking, and transported to Newton Community Police Station, where he was booked for 602 WIC / 243 (D) PC – Battery on a Police Officer with Serious Bodily Injury. He was then transported to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.

No other officers or community members were injured as a result of this incident.