Officer hurt during struggle with Suspect

Los Angeles: A narcotics suspect who attempted to flee from police, fractures his hip when police take him into custody.

On Friday, November 3, 2006, at about 8:05 P.M., Mission Division uniformed Police Officers Andre Abrams, 34, and Joshua Ordonez, 29, were driving a black and white police car travelling northbound Memory Park approaching the T-intersection with Rayen Street.

The officers saw three male adults standing together on the west sidewalk of Memory Park, just south of the intersection. One of the males, identified as Cesar Harley Robleto, appeared to be conducting a hand to hand narcotics transaction with one of the others, when he looked up in the direction of the officers and appeared surprised at their presence. Robleto alerted his two companions, then turned and walked away.

The officers directed the suspects to stop and stand against the fence. Two complied, but Robleto initially ignored the commands and walked a short distance on the south sidewalk.

Officer Ordonez then observed Robleto remove a glass pipe from his pants pocket and toss it on the ground where it shattered. At that point, Robleto complied with the commands and was escorted by Officer Ordonez back to the corner where Officer Abrams had detained the other two individuals.

While Officer Ordonez was using his police radio, Robleto turned around, used both hands pushed Officer Ordonez down, and ran around the corner. Officer Ordonez got up and quickly caught up to the fleeing suspect, and took him to the ground. The suspect got back to his feet and a struggle ensued involving both officers. The officers were able to handcuff the suspect only after the arrival of the first additional unit.

Robleto complained of pain to his leg and was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics Ambulance to Mission Community Hospital, where it was later determined that he had sustained a fractured hip requiring surgery. He was transferred to, and absentee booked under guard, at Providence-Holy Cross for two outstanding felony warrants.

Officer Abrams sustained a separated right shoulder, as well as lacerations and abrasions to his left forearm and was placed off duty.

Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation. Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.