Los Angeles: An 18-year-old gang member, who was wanted for robbery and grand theft auto, pointed a semi-automatic handgun at a Los Angeles police officer, which resulted in an officer involved shooting.
On November 7, 2010, at about 11:00 p.m., Northeast Area police officers were patrolling the 3300 block of Gassen Place. The officers were looking for Michael Cervantez, a known gang member who was wanted for robbery and grand theft auto in Mission Area and for an attempted robbery in Northeast Area.
The officers observed Cervantez crossing the street in front of their patrol car. As the officers attempted to detain Cervantez, he produced a handgun and pointed it at one of the officers. An officer involved shooting occurred. Cervantez ran away from the officers, uninjured by the gunfire. He was then captured by additional responding officers.
LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is investigating the officer involved shooting and its Criminal Apprehension Team is investigating the assault crimes committed by Cervantez.
A semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene. Cervantez was arrested and booked for assault with a deadly weapon. No officers were injured.
In addition to the Chief of Police, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Board of Police Commissioners maintain access to, and oversight responsibilities for, all officer-involved shooting investigations. The Department’s use of force policy is based in case law (Graham v. Connor) and requires that an officer’s actions be objectively reasonable.
Anyone with information about this officer-involved shooting should contact Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.