Officer-Involved Shooting in Central Area NRF014-26eo

March 24, 2026 

Update

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officers names who were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting, that occurred Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Central Area. The Central Area officers involved are Police Officer III Justin Castro, Serial No. 41320 and Police Officer II Yevgeny Shipley, Serial No. 44171. The Hollbeck Area officer involved is Police Officer II Dante Sera, Serial No. 45132.

March 20, 2026

Officer-Involved Shooting in Central 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 19, 2026, at around 0437 hours, Central Patrol Division uniformed police officers responded to a radio call for an Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW) Suspect, at East 7th Street and Ceres Avenue. Upon arrival, the officers encountered the suspect, later identified as Ray McCullen, inside of a motorhome parked on a public street.

The officers observed McCullen holding a handgun. The officers repositioned themselves away from the motor home while calling for additional resources. The officers established a tactical team and communicated with McCullen for approximately 20 minutes; however, he did not comply with the officers’ commands.

Shortly thereafter, McCullen exited the motorhome armed with a handgun, pointed it in the officers’ direction and an Officer-Involved Shooting occurred. McCullen was struck by gunfire, collapsed onto the ground and was taken into custody without further incident. The officers rendered medical aid until the arrival of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics. LAFD personnel arrived at scene and transported McCullen to a local hospital for medical treatment.

A pellet gun was recovered at the scene and booked as evidence. No community members or officers were injured during this incident. Force Investigation Division (FID) personnel responded to the scene and assumed investigative responsibility for this incident.