Suspect Arrested After Firing Weapon at Officer

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, October 25, 2000

"Suspect Arrested after Firing Weapon at Officers"

Los Angeles -: On Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at approximately 11:40 p.m., 77th Area Community Police Station uniformed Officers Todd Burns, Serial Number 31549, (34 years of age, 5 years with the Department) and Michael Martinez, Serial Number 31675, (28 years of age, 5 years with the Department) were on routine patrol in the area of 63rd Street and 10th Avenue when they observed a vehicle occupied by two males, driving at a high rate of speed. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle. However, the vehicle’s driver, subsequently identified as Harold Nicholas, 25 years old, failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

As the suspects’ vehicle traveled eastbound on 50th Street towards 7th Avenue, suspect Nicholas jumped from the moving vehicle. The vehicle, now occupied by one male in the passenger seat, subsequently identified as Damon Richardson, 27 years old, continued eastbound on 50th Street. Officer Martinez exited the police vehicle and pursued Suspect Nicholas. Suspect Nicholas ran westbound and pointed what appeared to be a small caliber blue steel handgun at Officer Martinez, resulting in a non-hit officer involved shooting.

Suspect Nicholas fled the location and was subsequently apprehended by Metropolitan Division personnel. A subsequent search for the weapon was conducted with negative results. Suspect Nicholas was booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer. Suspect Richardson was also taken into custody and booked for outstanding warrants.

The investigation is being conducted by Robbery-Homicide Division.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Lyle Michelson, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

For Release 3:20 pm PDT
October 25, 2000