Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Ethics Enforcement Section (EES) of Professional Standards Bureau was involved in an undercover operation in Southeast Division Wednesday evening, October 20, 2004, in the area of 91^st Street and Stanford Street. During the course of this operation, unknown suspects, unrelated to the focus of the EES investigation, shot at undercover investigators without provocation and for an unknown reason.

Two vehicles being used by EES were hit by gunfire. One undercover detective returned fire. The suspects ran away and remain at large. No members of the LAPD were injured in the exchange of gunfire.

All of the normal requirements of the consent decree and LAPD officer-involved shooting protocol were followed: the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office was notified, the Office of the Inspector General responded, all involved officers were immediately separated and a comprehensive investigation is underway by Force Investigation Division. Because of the unique nature of EES investigations and its personnel—they are undercover detectives who work investigating allegations of police misconduct—special procedures were followed to protect the identities of the involved officers (shooting and witness officers).

Investigators are working to identify the individual(s) who shot at the EES Detectives. The LAPD will continue its administrative/criminal investigation into the conduct of the officer who fired at the suspects.

This news release was prepared by Professional Standards Bureau, at 213-473-6672.