Officer-Involved Shooting in Newton Division NRF017-20bm

***Update:***

The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer II Luke Coyle, Serial No. 43567 and Police Officer II Kevin Ruiz, Serial No. 42706, both assigned to Newton Division Patrol. LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.

**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 Thursday evening.

On April 30, 2020, around 9:39 p.m., Newton Patrol Division officers were driving a marked black and white police vehicle in the 2200 block of Wall Street. The officers observed a vehicle back up and collide with a parked vehicle. The suspect vehicle failed to stop, identify themselves, or render aid and continued driving westbound into the East/West alley located north of 23rd Street and west of Wall Street. The officers followed the suspect vehicle into the alley where it stopped, and three suspects fled on foot. One of the suspects produced a handgun and an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) occurred. The officers broadcast a, “Help Call” and requested additional resources to set up a perimeter for the outstanding suspects. Officers from LAPD’s Metropolitan Division Canine Unit also responded to the scene to assist with the search. After a lengthy search, the outstanding suspects were located and taken into custody.

The suspect that produced a handgun was struck by gunfire and taken into custody. He ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as Daniel Hernandez.

One of the other suspects, later identified as Jose Hernandez, received a bite to his left arm from a Department canine during the search and was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics to a local hospital where he was treated and cleared for booking. The remaining outstanding suspect was identified as Anthony Villegas and he was taken into custody without incident.

No officers were injured during the incident and a loaded handgun was recovered at the scene.

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 and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office also responded and monitored the 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 the 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 officer(s) violated any criminal laws.

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.”