Los Angeles:  A man suspected of domestic violence, attacked two Los Angeles Police Department officers, biting both officers severely.  When the suspect tried to take one officer's sidearm, the officer's partner shot the man.

The incident began around 3:15 AM, Monday, February 13, 2006, when a woman called police about an assault.  Police officers Amgad Youssef, 29, and John Hayes, 26, were dispatched to 521 Banning, near E Street, in Wilmington.  Just after 4 AM, the officers were directed to a nearby enclosed yard, which contained junked recreational vehicles and trailers.

As the officers peered over the fence, they heard a woman screaming and saw a man, later identified as Esteban G. Ramos, 23, beating the woman.  The officers jumped the fence to intervene, but Ramos pulled the woman into an RV, closing the door.  The officers could see Ramos through a window choking the woman. 

Youssef and Hayes forced entry into the trailer to save the woman.  Ramos attacked the officers in the confined space.  The violent struggle spilled out of the RV into the yard.  Ramos bit both officers' arms and hands severely.  When Ramos tried to unholster Officer Hayes' sidearm, Officer Youssef shot Ramos one time in the chest.  Ramos died at the scene.

Both officers were treated for bite wounds to their hands and arms at San Pedro Peninsula Hospital.  One officer suffered a broken finger.

The woman, who is in her mid-twenties, was Ramos' acquaintance of about 5 years.  She reported to detectives that Ramos had sexually assaulted her.  She sustained minor physical injuries from Ramos' assault.

Officers Youssef and Hayes are assigned to Harbor Police Station.  Youssef was the junior officer with 11 months with LAPD, and Hayes was the senior officer with 5 years of service. 

Representatives from the Police Commission's Inspector General and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office were present at the investigation. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Force Investigation Division at 213-485-4011.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).