Officer-Involved Shooting in Southwest Division NRF003-18fp

January 24, 2018

UPDATE The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer II Davin Aquino, Serial No. 41631, James Quinata, Serial No. 37450 and Rodolfo Sarmiento, Serial No. 38342, all three officers are assigned to Southwest Division.

**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**

En Español

Vermont Square: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in Southwest Division.

On January 11, 2018, around 11:25 a.m., uniformed officers assigned to Southwest Patrol were directed to the intersection of Walton Avenue and West 40th Place where a suspect (who was later identified as 31-year-old Dexter White) of a domestic violence was last seen. The officers approached and observed White at the northwest corner of the 40th Place and Walton Ave. and a confrontation ensued. During the confrontation, White then produced an object the officers believed was a handgun resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting.

Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance transported White to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the upper right shoulder area and remained in critical condition.

A cell phone was located next to the suspect.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Force Investigation Division assumed the investigative responsibility of the OIS, subsequent criminal investigation and threat assessment.

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 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) was reasonable.

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.