Officer’s Vehicle Struck by Gunfire NRF023-15jk

March 20, 2015 NRF023-15jk

UPDATE

Updated: The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer II Brandon Walthers, Serial No. 37949, Police Officer II Rodolpho Ledesma, Serial No. 37792 and Police Officer II Michael Sciarappa, Serial No. 38602.

South Los Angeles: On Sunday, March 15, 2015 around 5:55 p.m., Los Angeles Department Police Narcotics Enforcement Detail officers from 77th Area were driving in the 200 block of West 65th Street in an unmarked department vehicle when it was struck by gunfire.

The officers saw two suspects shooting at them and an officer involved shooting occurred. The suspects fled the location and after an extensive search, several persons of interest were detained for questioning.

Robbery Homicide Division is investigating the crime committed against the officers.

Two officers sustained minor injuries during this incident.

Force Investigation Division responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation. The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Departments use-of-force policy which states that an officer’s use-of-force actions must be objectively reasonable. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the facts of the officer-involved-shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.