Los Angeles County police launched an investigation Tuesday afternoon into a shooting that left an officer dead in La Mirada.
It happened around 1:45 p.m. in the 14700 block of Firestone Boulevard, as the department’s gang unit surrounded a murder suspect outside a local hotel. Officers in unmarked vehicles appeared to block the suspect’s vehicle from leaving the parking lot.
An LASD spokesman said officers opened fire as they tried to arrest the armed suspect, striking him at least once.
Paramedics took the man to the hospital in unknown condition. No officers were injured, according to LASD.
The department encourages anyone with information about the case to contact detectives at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or through their website.
Several agencies launch independent investigations into officer-involved shootings that result in injuries. First, the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau arrive on scene to conduct their own investigations.
The matter is then referred to the Critical Incident Review Panel to determine whether immediate action needs to be taken.
The Office of the Inspector General is also sending a representative to oversee the investigation. The shooting is also being reviewed by the Sheriff’s Executive Force Review Committee.
Finally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is analyzing the investigation to determine whether the shooting was legally justified or whether criminal charges should be filed.
