Officer Involved Shooting of Santa Maria Murder Suspect NRF061-17

August 31, 2017

Update: The detective involved in the below incident has been identified as Detective Casey Cox, Serial No. 33721.

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**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**

Encino: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in Encino.

On August 21, 2017, Santa Maria Police Department began a murder investigation which resulted in Konstantin Morozov being identified as a suspect. Santa Maria investigators believed Morozov had fled with his 9-year-old son and an AMBER Alert was issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) became involved and on August 22, 2017, LAPD was alerted that Morozov was believed to be at a location in the 5500 block of North Lindley Avenue in Encino. Detectives from a FBI Fugitive Task Force, which is comprised of LAPD detectives and FBI agents, went to the location in Encino to look for Morozov and to locate his son. Around 6:45 p.m., Morozov exited a residence and was confronted by the members of the task force; at which time there was one LAPD detective involved in a shooting. Morozov was struck and transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of the gunshot wounds.

A loaded firearm was found at the scene of the shooting and was booked as evidence. Until ballistic examinations are completed on the firearm detectives will not know if it was the one used in the murder in Santa Maria.

The 9-year-old son of Morozov, the subject of the AMBER Alert, was found and physically unharmed. He is in the protective care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and they will determine the most appropriate placement for him.

No officers were injured as a result of this incident.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. The District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General had representatives at scene.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine 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.