Stolen Vehicle Pursuit End’s in Officer-Involved Shooting in Newton Division NRF072-17cr

November 21, 2017

Update: The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Police Officer III Orlando Diaz, Serial No. 35342.

**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**

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred within a Produce Mart in Newton Division, early Thursday morning.

On November 9, 2017, around 10:07 a.m., 77th Division uniformed officers initiated a vehicle pursuit of a reported stolen vehicle (U-Haul truck) from the area of 61St Street and Broadway in 77th. Division. During the pursuit, the truck was driven and occupied by a lone female, who was later identified as 35-year-old, Shante Johnson. The pursuit traveled throughout various city surface streets while the officers tracked the stolen truck from a distance. It wasn’t until the pursuit entered the inner-city streets in the downtown area that the officers re-engaged the pursuit as Johnson entered the distribution yard of the Produce Mart in Newton Division.

While inside the mart, Johnson maneuvered and intentionally hit a police vehicle involved in the pursuit, which resulted in an Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS). The pursuit continued back onto the adjacent surface street on Central Avenue before re-entering the mart. Johnson then exited the truck as she attempted to run away but was immediately taken into custody without further incident.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported Johnson to a local hospital, where she was medically evaluated/treated and eventually booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW) on a Police Officer, section 245(c) of the California Penal Code.

Two officers were medically treated and released for complained of injuries at a local contract hospital. Fortunately, no persons or Johnson were hurt 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. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the scene 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 LAPD’s policies and procedures.

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.