The Los Angeles Police Department on Friday released dramatic body camera footage showing the moments leading up to and during a shootout that left a suspect dead after he allegedly shot an officer during a chase through city streets.
Background
The incident began when officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation in the San Fernando Valley area. The driver refused to pull over, sparking a pursuit that weaved through residential neighborhoods before coming to a dramatic confrontation on a side street.
According to LAPD Chief Michel Moore, the chase ended when the suspect's vehicle became disabled. As officers approached, the suspect allegedly opened fire, striking one officer. Fellow officers returned fire, striking and killing the suspect.
The wounded officer, a 12-year veteran of the department assigned to the Valley Traffic Division, was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. Moore said the officer is expected to survive.
The Investigation
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has opened an investigation into the shooting, as is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings resulting in death. The LAPD's Force Investigation Division is also conducting a parallel internal review.
Authorities have identified the deceased suspect as a 34-year-old man with prior arrests for felony evading and assault on a police officer. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The department confirmed that more than 20 shell casings were recovered from the scene, indicating an intense exchange of gunfire. The video shows officers taking cover behind their patrol vehicles before moving in to confront the suspect.
Key Takeaways
- A Los Angeles police officer was shot during a traffic stop and vehicle pursuit through the San Fernando Valley
- Officers returned fire after the suspect allegedly opened on them, killing the suspect at the scene
- The wounded officer, a 12-year veteran, underwent surgery and is expected to survive
- More than 20 shell casings were recovered from the shooting scene
- LAPD Chief Michel Moore confirmed the incident unfolded during what began as a routine traffic stop
What's Next
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will review the case to determine whether the use of deadly force by officers was justified. The LAPD's internal investigation is expected to take several months to complete.
A date for the officer's return to duty has not been set, according to department spokesman Capt. Kelly B. Paz.
The suspect's vehicle has been impounded as evidence, and investigators are reviewing additional surveillance footage from area businesses to piece together the full sequence of events leading to the shootout.