Officer-Involved in Shooting in Hollywood Division NRF053-17ma

Update: July 28, 2017 Police Officer Rigo Lopez, Serial No. 39452, assigned to Hollywood Area, is identified as the officer involved in the below incident. **The following information is based on a preliminary and 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 may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Hollywood: On July 14, 2017, Hollywood Area officers responded to a radio call of a man armed with a knife in the 5600 block of Fernwood Avenue. The officers met with the victims, who are sisters of the suspect, identified as Lepe Estefano. The victims told the officers they had gone to the residence to see their mother and while they were at the residence Estefano threatened them with a knife. They ran from the residence and called the police.

While officers were in front of the residence, Estefano came to the front door armed with a knife; at that time one officer fired a bean bag shotgun and another officer was involved in an officer involved shooting. Estefano was not struck by gunfire and ran back into the residence after the officer involved shooting.

Special Weapons and Tactics personnel responded and deployed gas into the residence. Estefano was taken into custody without further incident. He was booked for criminal threats.

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. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:

• During business hours at 213-486-5230; • During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247); • Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or • Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.