Accidental Discharge of a Firearm NR10334BB

July 2, 2010

Los Angeles:   A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer discharged his firearm unintentionally as he was participating in a building search looking for a suspect.
 
On June 24, 2010, at about 5:56 p.m., Metropolitan Division officers responded to the 1300 block of West Sunset Boulevard where a homicide suspect was believed to be contained within a perimeter.  Police Officer III Juan Zarate, thirteen years and four months with the Department, was assigned to clear and maintain control of a second floor apartment complex stairwell.

During the search, Officer Zarate unintentionally discharged one round from his service rifle into the stairwell floor.  There were no injuries as a result of the unintended discharge.

Force Investigation Division personnel are investigating this incident.