Non-Hit Officer Involved Shooting

PRELIMINARY PRESS RELEASE
NON-HIT OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

August 16, 1998

On August 16, 1998, Wishire Area uniformed Officers Alonzo Howell, Serial No. 25415, 37 years of age and 11 years with the Department, and Joshua Cho, Serial No. 34391, 30 years of age and 1 year with the Department, were on routine patrol in the area of 8th Street and Normandie Avenue. At approximately 2:35 AM the officers heard gunshots emanate east of their location.

The Officers were flagged down by an unidentified individual and directed to Mariposa Avenue, north of 8th Street. The Officers responded north on Mariposa Ave. from 8th St. and saw an armed suspect shooting at a fleeing victim.

The officers stopped, and got out of their police car. The suspect then turned and fired at the officers. The officers returned fire. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody and was not injured. The suspect’s semi-automatic pistol was recovered at the scene.

The fleeing victim was also apprehended. The ensuing investigation revealed both men had been involved in a dispute, which escalated into an altercation, prior to the officer’s arrival.

Suspect’s Information:

Gregorio Barrera, booked for ADW on a PO, Marcelino Jimenez, booked for ADW.

Robbery-Homicide Division is conducting the Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation.

Rampart Operations Support Division is conducting the criminal investigation.

Prepared by: Officer E. Funes, Media Relations Section.

For Release 10:30 pm PST
August 12, 1998