Officer-Involved Shooting in 77th Division NRF032-17bm

***Update***

The officer involved in the OIS has been identified as Police Officer III Michael Coblentz, Serial No. 37376.

**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 (OIS) that occurred in 77th Division.

On May 13, 2017, around 7 p.m., uniformed officers from LAPD’s Metropolitan Division were working in 77th Division. The officers observed a suspect, later identified as Corey Harden, running through Harvard Park, located at 62nd Street and Denker Avenue. The officers attempted to make contact with Harden, who continued to run, clutching his right front pant pocket. Harden removed a pistol from his right front pant pocket and began to turn toward the officers, which ultimately resulted in an OIS. Harden was not struck and threw his pistol over a fence and continued to run from the officers. The officers set up a perimeter, where Harden was later arrested after a short stand-off.

No officers were injured and a semiautomatic handgun was recovered at scene.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. FID will also review and collect all available body worn and digital in car video. The Office of the Inspector General and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office had a representative at the scene.

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 or 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.