Officer Involved Shooting Occurs After Juvenile Suspect Uses Vehicle and

"Officer-Involved Shooting Occurs After Juvenile Suspect Uses Vehicle and Attempts to Run Down Police Officer"
 
Van Nuys: On Sunday, October 7, 2001 at approximately 1:05 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division Officer Brian Wilson (Serial No. 31702, 31 years of age, 6 ½ years with the Department) was assigned to a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Detail. Officer Wilson was working as an L-Unit [alone] when he responded to a radio call regarding illegal street racers in the area of Saticoy Street near Woodman Avenue. As he drove west on Saticoy Street approaching Atoll Avenue, Officer Wilson observed a dark-colored Honda driving erratically, with its headlights out. Officer Wilson activated his emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the suspect. The officer followed the vehicle, north on Atoll Avenue.
The suspect, subsequently identified as a male Hispanic, 16 years of age, stopped at the east curb across from a location in the 7800 Block of Atoll Avenue. Due to traffic conditions, the officer was forced to drive past the suspect. As Officer Wilson exited his black and white police vehicle and approached the suspect, the suspect accelerated his vehicle directly at Officer Wilson. Officer Wilson, in fear for his life, drew his service pistol and fired multiple rounds at the suspect. The suspect, using his vehicle, struck Officer Wilson in the leg. The suspect then negotiated a U-turn and fled the location, south on Atoll Avenue then west on Saticoy Street.
A subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect was involved in a traffic collision on Saticoy Street west of Atoll Avenue, after leaving Officer Wilson’s location. The suspect’s brother transported the suspect to Woodman and Vanowen Avenues and telephoned 911. The Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the suspect to a local hospital, where he was taken into custody by responding officers. The suspect was treated for a gunshot wound to the arm. He was listed in stable condition and subsequently booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer.
Officer Wilson was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for an injury to his leg and released.
The investigation into this shooting continues and is being handled by the Department’s Critical Incident Investigation Division and Robbery-Homicide Division.
This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Horace Frank, Officer in Charge, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.