Officer Involved Shooting Occurred During Traffic Stop

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, September 7, 2000

"Officer Involved Shooting Occurred During Traffic Stop"

Sun Valley: On September 6, 2000, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Valley Traffic Division uniformed motorcycle Officers Sam Davis, Serial Number 30989, (36 years of age, 6 years with the Department) and Van Thompson, Serial Number 30921 (33 years of age, 6 years with the Department) were conducting traffic enforcement duties in the area of San Fernando Road and Sheldon Avenue. Officer Davis observed a 1981 Mercedes traveling southbound on San Fernando Road at an excessive speed. The vehicle was being driven by a White male, who was subsequently identified as Henry Peterson, 83 years of age, and a resident of Sun Valley.

Officer Davis conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle on San Fernando Road south of Sheldon Avenue. Shortly thereafter, Officer Thompson conducted an unrelated traffic stop in the general vicinity of Officer Davis. Officer Thompson subsequently arrived at Officer Davis’ location.

As Officer Davis completed a traffic citation for speeding and unlicensed driver, Officer Thompson composed a vehicle impound report with the intention of impounding suspect Peterson’s vehicle. Suspect Peterson produced a handgun and pointed the weapon at Officer Thompson, at which time an officer-involved shooting occurred.

Suspect Peterson was then taken into custody and was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where he was treated for multiple gunshot wounds. Peterson is listed in stable condition and will be booked for Assault With a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer.

The officers were not injured. The subsequent investigation revealed that suspect Peterson was armed with a fully loaded 22-caliber handgun.

The investigation is being investigated by Robbery-Homicide Division.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

For Release 11:30 am PDT
September 7, 2000