Los Angeles: An assault with a deadly weapon suspect runs from police and points a handgun at the officers resulting in an officer involved shooting.
On Sunday, September 21, 2008, Hollenbeck Division Officer Ralph Mendoza, 13 years with the Department and his partner were conducting an Assault with a Deadly Weapon Investigation reported in the 2100 block of East 2nd Street. At about 12:30 p.m., the officers were in the area of South Chicago Street and 3rd Street where they saw the described suspect. The suspect, later identified as 28-year old Joaquin Rodriguez, saw the officers and ran to avoid capture. The officers pursued Rodriguez on foot and while he ran, pulled out a handgun. Rodriguez turned towards Officer Mendoza and pointed the handgun in his direction. Mendoza fired his service weapon but did not strike Rodriguez. Rodriguez continued to run and was later apprehended by police as he attempted to walk out of the perimeter.
Neither the suspect nor the officers were injured. The victims of the assault with a deadly weapon incident prior to the officer’s arrival were treated for lacerations to the head and body at a local hospital.
The suspect’s loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered from a nearby trash can.
Rodriguez was arrested and booked for Attempt Murder on a Police Officer and Assault with a Deadly weapon. Rodriguez is being held without bail.
Force Investigation Division Detectives responded and are investigating the officer-involved shooting and the crime against the officers. Hollenbeck Detectives are handling the Assault with a Deadly Weapon incident committed by Rodriguez against the civilian victims.
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