Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI) NRF005-21rj

On February 4, 2021 at approx. 5:00 PM, Officers from Topanga Patrol Division were involved in a vehicle pursuit of a domestic violence suspect. The pursuit ended at Ventura Blvd and Woodlake Ave, but the suspect refused to exit his vehicle resulting in a barricade situation. The Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and K-9 personnel were requested to assist by the Incident Commander.

After the Crisis Negotiation Team’s efforts were unsuccessful, SWAT deployed less lethal munitions to break the vehicle windows and deployed OC vapor gas into the vehicle. The suspect exited and fled on foot, resulting in the use of several less lethal impact munitions against the suspect, including the deployment of a TASER. With the assistance of the on-scene K-9, the suspect was taken into custody and placed under arrest. A supervisor assigned to Topanga Division initiated a Non-Categorical Use of Force investigation.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and a few hours later, the attending physician indicated that the suspect would be admitted for an injury sustained during the deployment of the less lethal munitions. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old William Wolcott, was booked for Felony Evading under Booking number 6119932.

Force Investigation Division was notified and reclassified the Non-Categorical Use of Force to a Categorical Use of Force, Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI) investigation and assumed investigative responsibility. Topanga Patrol Division assumed investigative responsibility for the pursuit and arrest of the suspect.

No officers or bystanders were injured during this incident.