Officer-Involved Shooting in Topanga Division NRF057-24dm

**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) in Topanga Division.

On December 29, 2024, at around 10:15 p.m., Topanga Division uniformed officers responded to a radio call of a vandalism suspect in a hotel, located on the 21700 block of Ventura Boulevard. While the officers were enroute, the person reporting advised Communications Division the suspect was now holding a gun. Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspect walking in the driveway towards the street. The suspect produced what appeared to be two firearms and fired at officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS). The suspect momentarily retreated towards a parked vehicle, but quickly returned with one firearm and fired again at officers, as officers continued to return fire. The suspect fled back into the hotel and officers immediately established a perimeter around the building and requested the assistance of Metropolitan Division Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT). After the suspect refused to surrender, SWAT officers, along with a Tactical Emergency Medical Support Unit (TEMS) from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), entered the hotel and located the suspect at the bottom of a stairwell. The suspect had sustained gunshot wounds.

Personnel from the TEMS unit immediately assessed and determined the suspect, later identified as 47-year-old Benjamin Prince Bradley, was deceased.

No officers or other community members were injured during this incident.

An AEA Harpoon double barrel shot air pistol, loaded with an air cartridge in each barrel, was located at the scene, along with an AEA model B&WT9 air rifle, which was loaded with seven rounds in the cylinder. Both weapons were capable of firing metallic rounds of ammunition. Both weapons were recovered and booked as evidence.

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