Officer Involved Shooting at Benedict Canyon Party

Benedict Canyon: On October 28, 2000, at approximately 1:00 a.m., West Los Angeles Area uniformed patrol officers Tarriel Hopper, Serial No. 33786, 27 years of age, three years with the Department and Natalie Humpherys, Serial No. 34861, 25 years of age, two years with the Department, responded to a radio call of a loud party located in the 9700 block of Yoakum Drive in Benedict Canyon. Upon arrival, the officers attempted to locate the owner of the house or person responsible for the party. Several partygoers directed the officers toward the rear of the residence.

As the officers were walking along an exterior walkway, Officer Hopper looked through a glass door and observed three individuals inside a small room. When one of the individuals observed the officers, he suddenly produced what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it directly at Officer Hopper. Officer Hopper, in fear for his life, fired several rounds from his service pistol, wounding the suspect. Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the suspect dead at the scene. The suspect has not been identified at this time. No officers were injured during the incident.

Upon closer examination, the suspect’s weapon was determined to be a replica semi-automatic pistol, dark in color.

Robbery-Homicide Division is conducting the investigation.

This press release was prepared by Sergeant John Pasquariello, Media Relations Section, 213- 485-3586.

For Release 5:00 pm PDT
October 28, 2000