SWAT Officer-Involved Shooting in West Valley Division NRF014-24ma

March 27, 2024 NRF014-24bb

UPDATED

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officer(s) name who was involved in an OIS that occurred on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in West Valley Area.  Involved Metropolitan Division – Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Officer(s): Police Officer III Daniel Black, Serial No. 40620

**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: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) in West Valley Division.

On March 21, 2024, around 5:10 a.m. Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD) and Metropolitan Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit were at an apartment in the 7900 block of Reseda Boulevard to serve a search and arrest warrant for a suspect involved in a series of robberies. SWAT surrounded the apartment complex and made telephonic contact with the individual, Zeff Rocco, and ordered him to surrender. Shortly after, Rocco climbed over the third-story balcony of the apartment, armed with an assault rifle, and jumped to the ground. Rocco dropped the rifle as he struck the ground and immediately began to reach for it. As Rocco reaquired a grip on the rifle, an Officer-Involved Shooting occurred. Rocco was struck by gunfire and was taken into custody.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel who were at the scene transported Rocco to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. No officers or other community members were injured during this incident. The rifle Rocco was armed with was recovered at the scene and was determined to be a 5.56 caliber semiautomatic Ghost Gun. The rifle was loaded with 39 rounds, and had an additional loaded magazine secured to the weapon.

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.

Photos of the rifle and magazines