Domestic Violence Turns Deadly

July 25, 2005

Los Angeles:  On July 24, 2005, at approximately 3:00 p.m. officers from Newton Division responded to a Domestic Violence call at 100 block of W. 56th Street.   The woman indicated that her “common law” husband, Luis Alberto “Angel” Hernandez, had threatened to kill her and brandished a handgun.  Officers completed a “Criminal Threats” report.
About one hour later, a second call was generated from the same location.  The woman indicated that Suspect Hernandez had returned.  Officer Mario Lagac, Serial No. 36945, 2 years with the Department, and his partner, responded and the woman directed them to the rear of the location where the suspect was seated on a staircase holding a 40 oz-beer bottle. 
Officers directed Hernandez to put down the bottle and put his hands up.  Suspect Hernandez refused to comply with the officer’s request, was uncooperative and threatened the officers.  The suspect went up the staircase and jumped to the adjacent rooftop.  Officers followed and the suspect started to throw the bottle at the officers at which time the Taser was deployed.  The Taser had no effect on Hernandez and he remained uncooperative.  Officers again ordered the suspect to drop the bottle.  He refused, and as he threw the bottle at the officers, Officer Lagac fired two rounds from his service weapon at Hernandez.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition.  One officer sustained cuts from the beer bottle and was treated for his injuries.
Force Investigation Division is investigating this incident.
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 the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).