Southeast Area Traffic Stop Results in Officer-Involved Shooting NRF020-19bm

**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**

South Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting which occurred during a traffic stop.

On May 20, 2019, around 11:03 p.m., Police Officer III Windle Hawkins, Serial No. 25889 and Police Officer I Rudy Lucero, Serial No. 43804, assigned to Southeast Area Patrol Division, conducted a traffic stop to the rear of 10819 S. Broadway. During the traffic stop, the driver, later identified as Norvell Cooper, was found to have a handgun secreted in the map pocket of the driver’s door. Cooper suddenly exited the vehicle and began to struggle with Officer Hawkins. During that struggle, officers believed that Cooper had armed himself with the gun, resulting in an Officer-Involved-Shooting.

Cooper was struck by gunfire several times, and fled on foot. He was later taken into custody near 109th Street and S. Broadway. Cooper was treated at scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics and was transported to a local area hospital, where he is currently listed serious but stable condition.

No officers were injured during this incident and a handgun was recovered from Cooper’s vehicle.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with the 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 officer(s) violated any criminal laws.

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.