Van Nuys Division Officer-Involved Shooting NRF049-19bm

September 1, 2020 UPDATE:

The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Detective I Michael Whitney, Serial No. 37517, assigned to Gang and Narcotics Division.

**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**

Sherman Oaks: Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved-Shooting in which a man armed with a handgun was shot.

On Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at 6:00 a.m., Gang and Narcotics Division (GND) Detectives and Van Nuys Division uniformed officers notified Communications Division that they were conducting surveillance near 5400 Kester Avenue. GND detectives and uniformed officers were searching for a murder and robbery suspect, identified as Mr. Lazzeri Frazzier. Around 10:20 a.m., an officer observed Mr. Frazzier walking northbound in front of 5461 Kester Avenue. Uniformed officers attempted to apprehend Mr. Frazzier at Burbank Boulevard and Kester Avenue, but he ran south on Kester Avenue and a foot pursuit ensued. Additional detective personnel responded and caught up with Mr. Frazzier in front of 5461 Kester Avenue, where again attempts to take him into custody failed, resulting in an Officer-Involved-Shooting.

Mr. Frazzier was struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel. No officers were injured and a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun along with additional live ammunition was recovered at scene next to Mr. Frazzier’s body.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the 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 the 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 officer(s) violated any criminal laws.

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.