Los Angeles: On October 31, 2004, at about 12:30 a.m., Van Nuys Area Officer Jamie Reyes, 28 years of age, seven months with the Department, was off-duty attending a party that was being held at the residence where he was renting a room.

20 year-old Mario Lopez, who was attending the party, pulled out a handgun and shot at one of the guests. Officer Reyes armed himself with his Department issued handgun. Reyes responded to the rear yard and observed Lopez pointing the handgun at another guest. As this occurred, Reyes identified himself as a police officer and ordered Lopez to drop his weapon. Lopez refused to comply and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

Ventura County Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported Lopez to Simi Valley Hospital. Mario Lopez subsequently died from his injuries.

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.