Officer-Involved Shooting in Newton Division NRF073-25bb

UPDATE
December 20, 2025 NRF073-25bb

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officer(s) ‘ names who were involved in an Officer-Involved Shooting that occurred on Friday, December 19, 2025, in Newton Area. The Central Area Officer(s) involved were: Police Officer II Alejandra Lozano Espinoza, Serial No. 44505, and Police Officer II Wyatt Aulick, Serial No. 44179.

**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 Newton Division.

On December 19, 2025, around 3:34 a.m., Central Patrol Division uniformed officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation near the intersection of Gladys Avenue and 8th Street. The officers approached the vehicle and contacted the driver and the front passenger.

The officers observed a pistol grip between the passenger’s legs. The passenger, later identified as 38-year-old Angel Elijah Cruz, was ordered by officers not to move. In the process of giving the occupants directions, Communications Division advised the officers that the vehicle was reported stolen. The officers requested backup and a supervisor. Additional officers and a supervisor arrived at scene while Cruz was given several commands not to reach for the handgun.

Cruz disregarded the officers’ commands and raised the pistol grip of an object, resembling a handgun, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. Cruz was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without incident. It was later discovered that the handgun was a replica handgun torch lighter with a pistol grip.

Cruz sustained gunshot wounds and was transported by rescue ambulance to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Cruz was absentee booked for 417.4 PC – Draw/Exhibit an Imitation Firearm. The driver was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

The replica handgun torch lighter was recovered at scene and booked as evidence. No officers or community members were injured as a result of this incident.