Officer Involved Shooting in Mission NRF081-15rh

**The following information is based on a preliminary, 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 incident may change as the investigation continues and additional evidence is collected and analyzed.**

Los Angeles: On September 15, 2015, around 2:49 p.m., Mission patrol officers responded to a radio call of a “man with a gun” in the 14700 block of Parthenia Street.

When the officers arrived they were unable to locate the suspect. Mission officers from the area Parole Compliance Unit were driving northbound on Willis Avenue, when a citizen advised them of an armed suspect on Parthenia Street east of Willis Street and provided a suspect description.

As the officers negotiated an eastbound turn on Parthenia Street, they observed an individual, later identified as Florencio Chaidez, who matched the armed suspect description. Chaidez proceeded to walk eastbound on the south sidewalk away from the officers.

The officers continued to follow Chaidez in their vehicle, and one officer observed him holding a handgun in his right hand. As the officers exited their vehicle and tactically deployed, the suspect pointed the handgun at one of the officers. This lead to an officer involved shooting involving Police Officer II Patricia Barajas, Serial No. 39954 and Police Officer II Brady Cuellar, Serial No. 38790.

Los Angeles Fire paramedics responded and pronounced the suspect dead at scene.

A handgun was recovered at scene near where the suspect fell. No officers were injured.

Force Investigation Division investigators responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of the officer involved shooting. The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Departments use-of-force policy, which states that an officer’s use-of-force actions must be objectively reasonable. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the officer-involved-shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.