Officer-Involved Shooting in North Hollywood Division NRF044-24bb

September 6, 2024

UPDATE

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officer’s names who were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting that occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, in North Hollywood Area. The North Hollywood Area officers involved are Police Officer II Ryan Ortega, Serial No. 43983, and Police Officer II Scott Fornaca, Serial No. 43281.

**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: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in North Hollywood Division.

On September 2, 2024, at around 10:00 a.m., officers assigned to the North Hollywood Gang Enforcement Detail (GED) and Narcotic Enforcement Detail (NED) were serving a search warrant for illegal cannabis cultivation at a residence in the 11500 block of Gilmore Street.

After completing the required verbal announcements, officers breached a rear gate and entered the yard. As the officers made their approach, the suspect, later identified as 70-year-old Arsen Zalyan, exited the residence and pointed a rifle-type weapon in their direction, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. Zalyan was not struck by gunfire and immediately retreated back toward the residence. Officers redeployed to the street and ordered Zalyan to surrender. After a few minutes, Zalyan exited the location and was taken into custody without incident.

Metropolitan Division Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) responded, entered the location and searched for additional suspects. No other suspects were located inside the residence.

An AEA .30 caliber semi-automatic airsoft carbine rifle was located and recovered from the scene.

AEA .30 caliber semi-automatic airsoft carbine rifle

Officers recovered approximately 240 pounds of cannabis from inside the residence. No officers or community members were injured during this incident.

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.