Officer-Involved Shooting in Topanga Division NRF082-17

UPDATE: The officers involved in this incident have been identified as Topanga Division Police Officer II Matt Matzkin, Serial No. 38196, Police Officer III Steve Norris, Serial No. 37704, Police Officer III Peter Tulagan, Serial No. 33514 and Police Officer I Alvarado Carlos, Serial No. 42747.

**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 in Topanga Division.

On December 30, 2017, around 7:20 p.m., uniformed Topanga Patrol and Gang Enforcement Detail officers responded to a radio call of a domestic dispute at the 6900 block of Oakdale Avenue. Responding officers heard gunshots as they approached the residence and requested help. An occupant (who was later identified as 39-year-old Oscar Sandoval), exited the front of the residence armed, pointed a handgun at officers and fired the weapon, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and treated Sandoval for multiple gunshot wounds. Sandoval failed to respond to emergency life saving measures and was declared deceased at scene.

No officers were struck by gunfire. One officer sustained a shoulder injury while responding to the scene on foot.

A revolver 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 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.