Officers Encounter Man with Two Guns Officer Involved Shooting Occurs

Los Angeles:   Los Angeles Police Department officers encountered a man armed with two guns.

On January 24, 2009, at about 11:30 hours, officers assigned to the Hollenbeck Area CLEAR project in Ramona Gardens were walking a footbeat to enforce curfew violations when they encountered two male Hispanic adults.  Both suspects, initially suspected of vandalism, ran from the officers.  The officers followed both suspects and again encountered them in the 1500 block of Evergreen Avenue.  One suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Oscar Velasquez, produced a pistol grip shotgun.  An exchange of gunfire between Velasquez and one officer occurred.

Velasquez discarded the shotgun and continued to run from the officers.  While in the 1400 block of Evergreen Avenue, Velasquez produced a handgun and a second officer involved shooting occurred.  Velasquez discarded the handgun and again attempted to escape on foot.  Responding officers took Velasquez into custody near the Ramona Gardens recreation center several hundred feet from the shootings.  Velasquez was suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm.      

The second suspect, identified as Gilbert Garcia, 20 years of age, was taken into custody after the first shooting.  Both suspects are residents of the area.  

Oscar Velasquez was transported to White Memorial Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released for booking.  Velasquez was booked for Attempt Murder and is being held on $1 million bail.

Gilbert Garcia was booked for Violation of a Court Order and is being held on $5000.00 bail.              

The involved officers have been identified as Police Officer II Matthew Ensley, 4 years 7 months with the Department, and Police Officer III Jose Vazquez, 14 years 7 months with the Department.  

Force Investigation Division is responsible for conducting the investigation.

Persons with information related to this incident are requested to call the 24 hour tip line at 1-877 LAPD 24-7  (1-877-527-3247).   Those wishing to remain anonymous may use their cellular phones and text to “CRIMES” or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on “webtips.”  When using a cell phone always begin the text portion of the message with the letters LAPD.  Texting or internet tips provided in this manner are anonymous.