Officer-Involved-Shooting in Central Division NRF002-21fp

**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**

The officer involved in the below investigation has been identified as Police Officer Adrian Garcia, Serial No. 42580, and Police Officer Jason Arreola, Serial No. 42573, assigned to Central Division.

Central: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS) which occurred in Central Division.

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, around 4:30 p.m., uniformed officers assigned to Central Patrol Division responded to a radio call of a man with a gun. Upon their arrival, the victim advised officers the suspect had pointed a handgun at him. The victim provided a description of the suspect to the officers and directed officers toward the suspect’s last known location.

Officers located a possible suspect and observed him holding what they believed to be a handgun. Officers attempted to deescalate the situation and gave the suspect numerous commands to drop the gun; however, he did not comply. The suspect pointed the handgun in the officers’ direction, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting.

The suspect was struck by gunfire and transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. He was absentee booked for brandishing an imitation firearm.

An imitation firearm was recovered at the scene.

No officers were injured during the incident.

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.

The LAPD will have further details regarding this incident in its Critical Incident Community Briefing video scheduled for public release on March 07, 2021.