News Release
Saturday, May 2, 2020

Officer-Involved Shooting in Newton Division NRF017-20bm
***Update:***
The officers involved in the
below incident have been identified as Police Officer II Luke
Coyle, Serial No. 43567 and Police Officer II Kevin Ruiz, Serial
No. 42706, both assigned to Newton Division Patrol.
LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.
LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.
**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
Thursday evening.
On April 30, 2020, around 9:39 p.m., Newton Patrol Division
officers were driving a marked black and white police vehicle in
the 2200 block of Wall Street. The officers observed a vehicle
back up and collide with a parked vehicle. The suspect vehicle
failed to stop, identify themselves, or render aid and continued
driving westbound into the East/West alley located north of 23rd
Street and west of Wall Street. The officers followed the suspect
vehicle into the alley where it stopped, and three suspects fled
on foot. One of the suspects produced a handgun and an
Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) occurred. The officers broadcast
a, "Help Call" and requested additional resources to set up a
perimeter for the outstanding suspects. Officers from LAPD's
Metropolitan Division Canine Unit also responded to the scene to
assist with the search. After a lengthy search, the outstanding
suspects were located and taken into custody.
One of the other suspects, later identified as Jose Hernandez,
received a bite to his left arm from a Department canine during
the search and was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department
Paramedics to a local hospital where he was treated and cleared
for booking. The remaining outstanding suspect was identified as
Anthony Villegas and he was taken into custody without incident.
No officers were injured during the incident and a loaded handgun
was recovered at the scene.
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 and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's
Office also 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 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.
STATION INFO
3400 South Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90011
323-846-6547 Voice
(877) ASK-LAPD
(877) 275-5273 TDD/TTY
Los Angeles, CA 90011
323-846-6547 Voice
(877) ASK-LAPD
(877) 275-5273 TDD/TTY
Newton Community Telephone Directory
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