Off-Duty Detective Shoots at an Armed Robbery Suspect NRF028-16ma

**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 of the incident may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: A man armed with a firearm approached an off-duty detective and demanded his property. The detective fired at the suspect but missed him.

Around 5:30 a.m. on May 4, 2016, Gang and Narcotics Division Detective Mike Mersereau was walking in the area of Franklin Street and Canyon Drive. A male Hispanic wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt was walking behind him. As Mersereau approached Van Ness, the suspect walked quickly to close the distance between he and Merseraeu. The suspect yelled to get Mersereau’ attention and as he turned around the suspect pointed a firearm at Mersereau and demanded his backpack. Mersereau fired two rounds from his handgun at the suspect and the suspect fell to the ground. The suspect stood up and ran from the area.

A perimeter was established and LAPD Metropolitan Division SWAT responded and conducted a search of the area. Unfortunately the suspect was not located, although the firearm he had was recovered and booked as evidence.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. In addition, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to determine whether any of the officers’ actions violated California criminal statutes.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call LAPD’s Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or send a text to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) on most keypads with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”