Los Angeles - On Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at approximately 2:44 P.M., Communications Division broadcast that Robbery-Homicide Detectives were requesting back-up assistance on a robbery suspect at Sherman Way and Wilbur Avenue. West Valley Patrol Officers Jude Bella, 28 years of age, 6 years with the Department, Craig Hewitt, 28 years of age, 5 years with the Department, Jeff Nuttall, 28 years of age with 5 years with the department, David Fatool, 31 years of age, with 5 years on the Department, along with West Valley Detectives, David Javier, 41 years of age, 15 years with the Department, Randal Cordobes, 40 years of age, with 7 years with the Department, and Officer Mark Carmona, 36 years of age, 6 years with the Department, responded to the request. The detectives and Officer Carmona responded in the same vehicle.

Robbery Homicide detectives pointed out the suspect, who was driving away, to the responding officers. Officers Bella and Hewitt activated their vehicle emergency lights to detain the suspect. The suspect accelerated and the officers and detectives pursued the suspect to the intersection of Balboa Boulevard and Balboa Place. The suspect fired multiple gunshots from a handgun at Officers Nuttall and Fatool, wounding Officer Nuttall. Officer Nuttall and Bella returned gunfire at the suspect. The suspect sped away, north on Balboa Place, with the officers and detectives in pursuit. The suspect fired multiple gunshots at the pursuing officers. The suspect drove to Roscoe Boulevard and Home Depot Place, where his vehicle became disabled. The suspect exited the vehicle and fired at the officers. The officers and detectives returned gunfire, wounding and incapacitating the suspect.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics pronounced the suspect dead at the scene. Officer Nuttall was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released. The suspect was identified as Anthony Almandarez, male Hispanic, 33 years of age, and a resident of Reseda. Almandarez was wanted for a series of fast food restaurant robberies.

Critical Incident Investigation Division, Officer-Involved Shooting Section detectives are investigating the incident. For further information regarding this press release, please call Media Relations at 213-485-3586. This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Rick Papke.