Officer-Involved Shooting in Hollenbeck Division NRF017-24bb

April 4, 2024 NRF017-24bb

UPDATED

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officer(s) name who was involved in an OIS that occurred on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Hollenbeck Area. Involved Hollenbeck Area Officer(s): Police Officer II Lucero Chavez, Serial No. 44962.

**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 Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in Hollenbeck Division.

On March 31, 2024, at around 10:15 p.m., Hollenbeck Division officers were driving northbound on Vicente Fernandez Street from 1st Street, when they observed an unoccupied pick-up truck stopped in the middle of the roadway, with its doors open.

As the officers began to investigate, they heard gunfire in the area of Mariachi Plaza, west of their location. The officers exited their police vehicle and walked toward the plaza where two males ran in their direction. One the males, who was later identified as 18-year-old Gabriel Gomez, holding a firearm. The officers ordered Gomez to the ground; however, he continued running in their direction and an Officer-Involved Shooting occurred.

Gomez was not struck by gunfire and immediately fled west through the plaza on foot. The officers gave chase and located Gomez approximately one block away where he was taken into custody without further incident.

When officers returned to the location of the initial investigation, the pick-up truck was no longer at scene. A search of the area was conducted: however, the second male who was with Gomez was not located.

A loaded 9mm semiautomatic Polymer 80 Ghost Gun was located and collected from the scene. The gun was found with a loaded magazine and a live round partially lodged in the chamber.

Additionally, a spent shell casing was recovered in the area where Gomez was seen running from.

Based upon on the totality of the evidence still currently being investigated and statements by witnesses, Gomez was arrested and booked for 246 PC, Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling, Booking No. 6784726.

No officers or other community members were injured during this incident.

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