Northeast Officers Engage in Gun Battle

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, September 22, 1999
On Tuesday, September 21, 1999, at approximately 2:00 PM, Northeast Area Uniformed Bicycle Detail Officers Flores, Rodriquez, and Korn, responded to a "Robbery In Progress" radio call at 1160 North Vermont Avenue, at the Ramada Inn. The radio broadcast described the suspects as three male Blacks armed with a handgun. Additional clothing descriptions were also provided.

The officers deployed to the rear of the parking lot area behind a block wall. At this point, the officers observed two male Blacks matching the description of the robbery suspects exiting the rear of the Ramada Inn. The officers ordered the suspects to stop. The suspects failed to comply and vaulted a block wall. As one of the suspects scaled the wall a semiautomatic pistol fell from his waistband onto the sidewalk. The suspect reached for the handgun and the officers ordered the suspect to stop and place his hands above his head. The suspect failed to comply and pointed his weapon at the officers. The Officers, fearing for their lives, fired their service pistols at the suspect. The suspect fled west on Lexington Avenue and once again pointed his weapon at the officers. Again, the officers, fearing for their lives, fired their service pistols at the suspect who momentarily fell to the pavement. The suspect then stood and continued to the southeast corner of Lexington Avenue and Vermont Avenue where he attempted to conceal himself in a planter in front of the Ramada Inn. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. The additional suspect was also taken into custody at this location without incident. At the time of this investigation there is an outstanding suspect.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported the suspect to a local hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his buttocks area. The suspect will be booked for 211 P.C. – Robbery. The additional suspect was also booked for the same offense.

The suspect’s handgun was recovered at the scene.

Robbery Homicide Division is conducting the investigation.

For Release 12:05 pm PST
September 22, 1999