Los Angeles: On Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at approximately 8:55 PM, Operations-Central Bureau, Special Enforcement Unit Gang Detail Officers R. Deamer, 40 years of age, 12 years with the Department and F. Curry, 33 years of age, 3 ½ years with the Department, were on patrol in Hollenbeck Area. Two civilian television production personnel occupied the rear seat of the officers’ vehicle as ride-alongs. There was, however, no video or audio-tape relative to this incident.

The officers were driving south on Mission Road approaching Lincoln Park Avenue. They observed a known gang member, subsequently identified as Mark Castillo, 35 years of age, standing by a bus bench. The officers decided to conduct a consensual contact. Officer Deamer, the driver, conducted a U-turn and stopped the police vehicle, headed north on Mission Road. As Officer Curry exited the passenger door, Castillo stepped into the roadway, pointed a handgun at the officers and fired multiple rounds at them. Both officers drew their service pistols and returned fire. Castillo ran north on Mission Road, continuing to fire at the officers. The officers continued to engage Castillo in a gun battle as Officer Curry pursued him on foot and Officer Deamer pursued him in the police vehicle. Officer Deamer’s vehicle struck Castillo, knocking him to the ground. The police vehicle then collided with a tree. Castillo surrendered and was taken into custody. His handgun was recovered at the scene.

Neither Castillo nor the officers or civilian ride-alongs were wounded. Castillo was examined by paramedics at the scene and the Jail Division physician and found to have a minor abrasion and complained of back pain. He was subsequently booked for 664/187 (a) PC (Attempt Murder of a Police Officer). Castillo is being held on $500,000.00 bail. Officer Deamer and the civilian ride-alongs were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries sustained during the collision and released.

Critical Incident Investigation Division (CIID) is conducting the administrative investigation and Robbery Homicide Division is conducting the criminal investigation.

This press release was prepared by Sergeant John Pasquariello, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.