Officer-Involved-Shooting in Foothill Division NRF035-18cr

June 10, 2018

***UPDATE ***

The employee involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer III Tomas Salazar, Serial No. 39664, Foothill Division.

En Espanol

**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 a Pacoima neighborhood early Wednesday morning.

On May 29, 2018, around 11:48 p.m., Foothill Division uniformed officers responded to a stabbing radio call for service, at a residence on the 10900 block of Telfair Avenue in the City of Los Angeles.

Upon the officers arrival they immediately encountered the suspect (later identified as 29-year- old Bryan Rodriguez) standing under a carport preventing them from providing emergency assistance to the stabbing victim. The officers initiated verbal commands with Rodriguez and after several attempts to communicate with him and warnings that force may be used, the officers deployed multiple less lethal munitions at Rodriguez. He then threw various heavy objects (chairs, cement blocks and broken ceramic pieces) which injured three officers. Rodriguez armed himself with a large pick axe and charged at the officers, which resulted in an Officer-Involved-Shooting.

Rodriguez was struck by gunfire and was transported by the awaiting Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. In addition, the LAFD transported the stabbing victim for medical aid and was listed in stable, but serious condition.

The three officers, were also transported by LAFD to a hospital, where they received medical treatment for their injuries and were eventually released.

Rodriguez’ pickaxe was recovered from the scene and booked as evidence.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. 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 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 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 officers(s) was reasonable.

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.