Officer Involved Shooting Follows Apparent Robbery Attempt of Undercover Officers

Los Angeles: An 18 year-old male suspect confronted undercover officers with a gun in an apparent robbery attempt.  
On October 16, 2008 at about 11:10 p.m., two on-duty undercover officers were seated in a plain police vehicle  in the area of 70th Street and Flower Street, when they were approached by a male black adult.  The suspect displayed a gun in an apparent robbery attempt of the undercover officers.  An officer involved shooting occurred.  The two officers each fired multiple rounds striking the suspect.  The officers were not injured.

The suspect was transported by ambulance to the California Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.  His condition is described as serious but stable.     

The involved officers are Police Officer II Judith Castellanos, 4 years, 6 months with the Department and Police Officer II Steve Sainz, 3 years, 10 months with the Department.

Force Investigation Division is responsible for conducting the investigation.

Persons with any information related to this incident are requested to call the 24 hour tip line at 1-877 LAWFULL (529-3855).  Those wishing to remain anonymous may use their cellular phones and text to “CRIMES” or by logging on to www.lapdonline.org and clicking on "webtips."  When using a cell phone always begin the text portion of the message with the letters LAPD.  Texting or internet tips provided in this manner are anonymous.