Los Angeles: On Wednesday, January 16, 2002, at approximately 4:30 AM. West Valley uniformed Officers Raphael Ferrer, Serial No. 30994, 33 years of age, 7 years with the Department, and Ryan Kennedy, Serial No. 35858, 24 years of age, one year with the Department, responded to a burglary alarm activation at 22017 Sherman Way.
The officers observed that the rear door of the location was broken and proceeded to conduct a building search. As the officers were conducting the search of the location, a suspect, who had been hiding behind the counter, confronted Officer Kennedy and engaged him in a physical altercation. During the altercation the suspect grabbed Officer Kennedy’s service pistol. Officer Ferrer, seeing that the suspect was attempting to arm himself, and fearing for his and his partner’s life, fired two rounds from his service pistol, striking the suspect in the mid-torso.
The suspect, described as a male White, 22 years of age, was transported to a local hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.
Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department Critical Incident Investigation Division responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation into this incident.
The District Attorney’s Office Roll-Out Team responded and will conduct an independent investigation as necessary.
This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Horace Frank, Officer in Charge, Media Relations Section. For further information regarding this release, contact Media Relations section, 213-485-3586.