Los Angeles: On June 11, 2002, at approximately 9:35 a.m., Police Officers Anthony Perez, 27 years of age, six years with the Department, and Michael Estrada, 26 years of age, three years with the Department, were northbound Western Avenue approaching 65^th Place when they observed Jason M. Burrell, 33 years of age, a resident of Los Angeles, southbound Western Avenue make an unsafe left turn onto eastbound 65^th Place.

The officers initiated a traffic stop of Burrell on 65^th Place east of Western Avenue. Burrell exited his vehicle and approached the officers with driver’s license in his hand. Officer Perez conducted a driver's license check on Burrell and discovered he was driving on a suspended license. Officer Perez completed a traffic citation for the unsafe left turn and suspended license violation. Shortly after Officer Perez informed Burrell that his vehicle would be impounded for the suspended license violation, Burrell walked back to his truck, a 2000 Ford F-150, and attempted to drive away. Officer Perez, in his attempt to prevent Burrell from driving away, stepped onto the vehicle’s running board and with his left hand attempted to remove the key from the vehicle’s ignition. At this time, Burrell drove off with Officer Perez holding onto the vehicle. Burrell drove the truck from the south side of 65^th Place to the north side of 65^th Place over the north curb and across the front lawn of 1731 West 65^th Place, headed towards the residence at 1729 West 65^th Place. When Burrell drove over the north curb, Officer Perez, in fear for his life, drew his service weapon and fired two rounds, striking Burrell in the upper torso. The truck then collided into the front porch of 1729 West 65^th Place.

Burrell was transported to a local hospital where he died as the result of his injuries.

The officers were not injured during the incident.

The investigation into this matter is on going and is being conducted by detectives assigned to the Department's Critical Incident Investigation Division and Robbery-Homicide Division.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.