Officer-Involved Shooting at White Memorial Hospital in Hollenbeck Division NRF036-18ma

En Espanol

June 20, 2018

UPDATE: The officer involved in the incident has been identified as Hollenbeck Division Police Officer Mario Morales, Serial No. 41121.

**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**

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at White Memorial Hospital in Hollenbeck Area.

On June 8, 2018, around 11:40 p.m., Hollenbeck Area Gang Enforcement Detail officers arrested 34-year-old Omar Magana for a robbery of a street vendor in the area of Broadway and Workman in Lincoln Heights. Magana was transported to Hollenbeck Police Station where it appeared he suffered a medical emergency and was transported by the Los Angeles Fire Department to White Memorial Hospital for treatment.

On June 9, 2018, around 5:00 a.m., Magana was in a hospital room for a medical exam. For the purposes of the exam, the handcuffs had been removed. At the conclusion of the exam, the officers were preparing to again handcuff Magana, a physical altercation occurred between Magana and the officers, during which Magana tried to remove an officer’s firearm from his holster; resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

Magana was struck by gunfire and immediately began to receive medical treatment at White Memorial Hospital. He was transported in critical condition to USC Medical Center due to the nature of his injury, where he later died.

No officers, patients or hospital staff were injured. White Memorial Hospital continued with their normal hospital operations.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with the LAPD’s policies and procedures. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who responded to the scene will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officer(s) violated any criminal laws.

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.