Transit Services Officer-Involved-Shooting in Central Division NRF005-19cr

July 21, 2020

UPDATE:

The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Pacific Area Police Officer II Jorge Estrada, Serial No. 39492.

**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 in downtown Los Angeles early Thursday morning.

On February 14, 2019, around 6:50 a.m., LAPD, uniformed officers, assigned to Transit Services Division were conducting a foot beat on the mezzanine platform at the 7th Street and Figueroa Street, Metro Center Transit Station in Los Angeles. While on the mezzanine platform they were directed to a male, Hispanic suspect armed with a knife. The officers responded and observed the armed suspect (who was later identified as Wilfredo Hernandez) engaged in an altercation with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) security officers. The officer engaged Hernandez, and used a less lethal option, which was ineffective and escalated into an officer-involved-shooting.

Hernandez was struck by gunfire and was taken into custody without further incident. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and rendered emergency medical aid but Hernandez was pronounced deceased.

The knife was located at scene and booked as evidence. Fortunately, no officers or MTA patrons were injured 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. 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 officers(s) was reasonable.