In-Custody Death in Rampart Division NRF036-24bb

March 27, 2025 NRF036-24wc

UPDATE

On February 27th, 2025 LAPD’s Force Investigation Division completed their in-custody death investigation related to this incident and a review by the Department’s Use of Force Board is pending. Now that LAPD’s internal investigation is complete, and the fact that the Los Angeles County District Attorney declined to file criminal charges against the community member who initially detained Sowell, the LAPD is now able to publicly share video footage of this incident. Additional details are available in a new Critical Incident Review video which can be found here: www.lapdonline.org under “Critical Incident Videos.”

On December 30th, 2024, after an exhaustive review of the case, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against the community member who was involved in detaining Sowell.

July 12, 2024

In-Custody Death in Rampart Division

**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: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an In-Custody Death (ICD) in Rampart Division.

On July 6, 2024 at around 3:40 p.m., Rampart Division officers responded to a radio call of a Burglary suspect inside a residence in the 200 block of South Rampart Avenue. When officers arrived at the location, they were directed to a parking lot next door where a community member was restraining the subject on the ground.

The officers immediately handcuffed the subject, who did not resist. The subject was unresponsive and appeared to be in medical distress. Based on their observations, the officers believed the subject was experiencing a drug overdose and requested a Rescue Ambulance. Officers administered Narcan, un-handcuffed the subject and began CPR. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel arrived and continued life saving measures until the subject was pronounced deceased at scene.

A Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner’s autopsy is pending. Notifications to the next of kin were conducted by representatives from the Family Liaison Section

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.