Officer-Involved Shooting in 77th Street NRF032-21ne

***UPDATE****

The officer involved in below incident has been identified as Police Officer II Walter Lavetski, Serial No. 42037 assigned to 77th Division.

**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 (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in 77th Street.

On June 24th, 2021 around 10:40 p.m., LAPD 77th Street Gang Enforcement Detail (GED) officers were in the area of 88th Street and Normandie Avenue. They saw a man, later identified as 38-year-old Darryl Grant, standing next to a vehicle parked in the alley south of 88th Street and east of Normandie Avenue. The officers saw what they believed was a handgun in Grant’s sweatshirt pocket. The officers attempted to detain Grant, who removed the handgun from the pocket; at which time there was an officer-involved shooting. Grant was not struck by gunfire and was taken into custody. Grant was booked for 29800(A)(1) P.C., Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

The handgun Grant had removed from his pocket was recovered and booked as evidence.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses and supervised the collection of evidence by the Forensic Science Division. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the scene investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police, 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 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 was reasonable.