Man Points Pistol at Officers

June 15, 2007

Los Angeles: A man was shot when he pointed a semi-automatic pistol at police officers.

On June 14, 2007, at about 9:45 PM, Operations-Valley Bureau Violent Crimes Task Force officers observed a vehicle driven by a female committed a traffic violation. The officers attempted to effect a traffic stop near Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Keswick Street. As the car began to stop in front of 7627 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, the right front passenger exited. The passenger started to run southbound on Laurel Canyon Boulevard and pointed a pistol in the officers’ direction. One of the officers fired his weapon and struck the gunman.

The gunman received a single gunshot wound to his shoulder and fell to the ground. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment in stable condition. He has been identified as 26 year-old Edwin Chavez. He is an identified 18th Street gang member.

Chavez’ pistol was recovered at the scene. The pistol was a 9mm luger with a fully loaded 40 round magazine.

The driver of the vehicle was interviewed and released.

No officers were injured. The officer involved in the shooting was Officer Ross Jester, 37, 10 years and 9 months with the department.

Force Investigation Detectives responded to the scene and are handling the investigation.