Officer Involved Shooting in Newton Area

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Saturday, February 26, 2000

On February 26, 2000, Newton Area uniformed Officer Esparza, 20 years with the Department, and Officer Austin, 1 year with the Department, working unit 13FB7, responded to an ADW radio call at The Union Hotel, 705 E. 9th Street. The officers were met by the victim who stated that his employer, the suspect, had come to his residence and during a verbal dispute, pointed a handgun at him.
At approximately 2:15 a.m., the officers conducted a follow-up with the victim to the suspect’s residence, an apartment building located at 825 S. Crocker Street. When the victim reached the suspect’s apartment, he suddenly knocked and identified himself by name. As the officers deployed adjacent to the door, the suspect opened it and pointed a chrome, semi-automatic pistol at Officer Austin. In fear of his life, Officer Austin fired one round at the suspect, striking him in the upper torso. Unknown if the suspect was incapacitated, the officers secured the location and began evacuating the apartment building. During the evacuation, an officer observed the suspect lying wounded inside his residence. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

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

The suspect’s weapon, a Semi-Automatic pistol was recovered at the scene.

Robbery Homicide Division is conducting the investigation. For any further questions, contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

The suspect’s identity is being held pending notification of next of kin.

For Release 8:00 am PST
February 26, 2000