Narcotic Suspect Fights with Officers before Being Taken Into Custody NR10016gb

January 12, 2010

Los Angeles: A suspect attempting to elude officers became involved in an altercation with them, resulting in a Law Enforcement Related Injury (LERI).

On January 9, 2010, at around 10:05 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Metropolitan Division Police Officers were working crime suppression in LAPD’s Newton Area.  Two Officers were driving a marked police vehicle north on Holmes Avenue and were approaching 54th Street in the “Pueblo Del Rio” public housing project.  The Officers saw a suspect, later identified as Lorenzo Leggett, who they believed was engaged in the sales of narcotics.

Both Officers got out of their vehicles to detain Leggett for investigation of a narcotics violation. Legget immediately led the Officers in a foot pursuit. The officers caught up to Leggett near the intersection of Long Beach Avenue and 54th Street.  Leggett began fighting with the officers and two additional Metropolitan Officers arrived for back up.  One of the Officers used a Taser to help subdue the combative Leggett.  Legget was then taken into custody without any further incident.

Leggett was transported to a local hospital for facial and head contusion and abrasions. He is in stable condition and booked for Assault with Deadly Weapon on Police Officers.  He is being held without bail.

One of the Metropolitan Officers was also transported to a local hospital and treated for head trauma and multiple abrasions. He was treated and released.  No other officers were injured during this incident.

Force Investigation Division is handling the crime against the officers. Calls may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.