Undercover Officer-Involved Shooting in North Hollywood Division NRF076-17cr

Update: December 15, 2017

The detectives involved in this incident have been identified as Robbery Homicide Division Detective II Michael Montoya, Serial No. 25288 and Detective II Corbin Rheault, Serial No. 31855.

**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**

En Espanol

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in a North Hollywood Division neighborhood early Thursday afternoon.

On November 30, 2017, around 4:27 p.m. LAPD, Robbery Homicide Division undercover detectives were investigating a series of robberies that occurred in the Valley area. While in the area of Kittridge Street and Radford Avenue, they came across a suspect (who was later identified as Juan Barillas) who was wanted in connection to those robberies. When they attempted to stop Barillas, he fled in a silver BMW. Metropolitan Division officers initiated a pursuit and were subsequently joined by the undercover detectives. The pursuit travelled a short distance, terminating in the 12000 block of Voss Street, where the undercover detectives, were involved in an Officer-Involved Shooting.

Barillas was struck by gunfire and was taken into custody without further incident. The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and rendered medical aid. Barillas was transported to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Fortunately, no officers or individuals where hurt as a result of this incident.

Additionally, while FID detectives continued their investigation into the Officer-Involved Shooting, North Hollywood Area detectives identified the suspect (Barillas) in the shooting as the “Penny Pincher” bandit. Detectives had reviewed surveillance video that was broadcast on a local television station in addition to receiving tips from the public, aided detectives in confirming the man involved in the OIS, as the same individual who was seen robbing a gas station in the Topanga area a few days prior. All information is still preliminary as a series of forensic tests and witness statements have yet to be completed.

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.

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.