Officer-Involved-Shooting in Van Nuys Division NRF054-18cr

October 31, 2018

Update The personnel involved in the below incident have been identified as Detective I Genaro Estupinan, Serial No. 37627 and Police Officer II Francisco Villagrana, Serial No. 38217 assigned to Van Nuys 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**

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in a Van Nuys neighborhood on Sunday morning.

On October 7, 2018, around 10:50 a.m., Van Nuys Division plain clothes Narcotics Enforcement Detail officers were to the rear of a local motel (known for narcotics sales) on the 13500 block of Sherman Way in the City of Los Angeles.

While at the location, the officers attempted to initiate an investigative stop of three narcotics suspects. As the officers did so, one of the suspects (later identified as Antonio Solis) produced a pistol, which resulted in an Officer-Involved-Shooting.

Solis was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics where he received medical treatment and listed in stable condition. Solis was subsequently booked for Possession of a Firearm, section 29800(A)1 of the California Penal Code.

Suspect No. 2, (identified as Allen Riggen) ran from the location and was immediately detained after a short foot chase, when he gave up without incident. Riggen’s was also transported by LAFD paramedics to a local hospital, where he was medically treated for minor injuries that he obtained while running from the officers. Riggen’s was medically cleared and placed on a Parole Hold, per section 3056 of the California Penal Code.

Suspect No. 3, (identified as Martin Shemata) remained at scene, was interviewed and eventually released.

Solis’ 9mm pistol was recovered from the scene and booked as evidence.

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 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 officers(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.”