Los Angeles: On Saturday, February 21, 2004, at about 1:00 a.m., 77th Gang Enforcement and Plain Clothes Officers were conducting a surveillance in the area of 84th Street and Broadway, where an underground party was taking place. The officers had prior knowledge that a murder suspect was possibly attending this party. When the party ended, a disturbance broke out and partygoers began spilling out into the street. Unidentified armed suspect(s) began shooting at the partygoers exiting the club. The officers in the surveillance vehicle exited to investigate, when a suspect from the crowd began shooting. Officer Acosta immediately returned fire with a shotgun. At this time, the suspect ran southbound on Broadway and turned the corner westbound on 84th Street. Officer Acosta ran after the suspect and a second gun battle took place on 84th Street.

The investigation has revealed that two individuals in the crowd were struck by gunfire resulting in minor wounds. It is unknown at this time if these individuals were injured in the initial shooting between suspect(s) who were shooting at the partygoers or from the gunfire between the suspect and Officer Acosta. This is an on-going investigation.

Officer Acosta was taken to a local hospital by his partner officers, where he was treated for a minor graze to his right arm and then released. The suspect, a male Black, was transported to a local hospital were he died as a result of shotgun wounds. His identity will not be release until his family has been notified. A 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting incident is urged to contact

Robbery-Homicide Detectives at 213-485-2129. On weekends and during off-hours, please contact our 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL, or 1-877-529-3855.

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.