Harbor Division In-Custody Death (ICD) NRF049-25bb

**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: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an In-Custody Death that occurred in Harbor Division.

On September 16, 2025, at around 2:30 a.m., Harbor Patrol Division uniformed officers responded to a radio call of a robbery in progress at a convenience store located in the 700 block of West Channel Street. When officers arrived, they observed the suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Roger John Nielsen, vandalizing the business.

Officers began to verbalize with Nielsen, who then armed himself with a piece of plexiglass from a sign he damaged. The officers deployed a 40mm Less-Lethal Launcher, striking Nielson in the upper torso area. After additional attempts to gain compliance were unsuccessful, officers approached Nielsen who quickly placed himself on the ground, face down. Nielsen was taken into custody after a brief Non-Categorical Use of Force (NCUOF).

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported Nielsen to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. During the use of force, an officer suffered a dislocated finger and was treated and released.

No other community members were injured during this incident