North Hollywood Categorical Use of Force NRF050-22jl

On September 23, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m., North Hollywood Patrol officers responded to a radio call of an arson suspect in the rear parking lot in the 11000 block of Burbank Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers were directed to the location of the suspect (Martinez), who was armed with a knife. Numerous attempts were made to verbalize with Martinez, additional resources were requested to the scene and containment was set around the suspect. After an approximately two and half hour long standoff, the suspect eventually relinquished the knife and officers made their approach. As officers contacted the suspect a use of force occurred, in which an officer contacted the suspect’s neck area. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody and later charged with 69 PC. The witness could not identify the suspect as being involved with an arson crime.

The suspect was initially transported to a local hospital for narcotics ingestion. She was later cleared medically and deemed “okay” to book by medical staff. Four officers were injured due to the use of force incident. All officers were treated and discharged.

Force Investigation Division (FID) detectives responded to the scene and are investigating a Categorical Use of Force incident.