Officer-Involved-Shooting in Hollenbeck Division NRF055-19cr

The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer II James Sigbisal, Serial No. 41681, assigned to Hollenbeck Division Gang Enforcement Detail.

**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 Boyle Heights community early Friday evening.

On November 29, 2019, around 7:10 p.m., LAPD, uniformed Gang Enforcement Detail officers, assigned to Hollenbeck Division were conducting patrol in the vicinity of Malabar Street and Fickett Street. While in the area they observed an individual, known to the officers as (Nathan Alexander Tovar) who was on formal probation for narcotics violations. As the officers attempted to make contact with Tovar, he produced a handgun and fired at an officer. An officer-involved-shooting occurred, however Tovar was not struck and was taken into custody.

One officer was struck by Tovar’s gunfire and was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

A 9mm semi-auto handgun was located next to Tovar and recovered as evidence. Fortunately, no other officers or innocent bystanders were injured during this incident.

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.