Contact with a Suspect’s Neck in Harbor Area NRF013-26ma

March 18, 2026

Contact with a Suspect’s Neck in Harbor Area

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: On March 16, 2026, around 2:40 p.m., Harbor Area uniformed officers were conducting extra patrol in the area of Santa Cruz Street and Harbor Boulevard when they observed a male, later identified as 33-year-old Paul McClafferty, trespassing onto a gated property. The officers directed McClafferty to stop in order to conduct a trespassing investigation. McClafferty initially complied and placed his hands behind his back. While conducting a pat down search, one officer felt narcotics’ paraphernalia inside of McClafferty’s pants’ pocket. The officer then placed one handcuff on McClafferty’s wrist when he pulled away and attempted to escape. As the officers attempted to detain McClafferty, they fell to the ground. One of the officers made contact with McClafferty’s neck resulting in a Categorical Use of Force.

During the use of force, two officers sustained minor injuries. Both officers were treated at a local medical facility and later released.

Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel transported McClafferty to a local hospital where he was treated for complained of injuries to his neck and arms. McClafferty was booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon upon a Peace Officer and a Parole Violation Felony Warrant for Voluntary Manslaughter.

No other community members or officers were injured as a result of this incident.

Force Investigation Division (FID) personnel responded and assumed investigative responsibility.