**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 Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in North Hollywood Division.
On August 6, 2021, around 8:30 a.m., LAPD North Hollywood Patrol Division officers were flagged down by a citizen in the 6700 block of Vantage Avenue. The citizen directed officers to an altercation between a man and woman in a nearby parking lot. The officers approached the parking lot through the rear alley of 12100 Vanowen Street. In the alley officers observed the suspect later identified as, Roberto Delacruz, armed with a handgun. Delacruz pointed the firearm at one of the responding officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. Delacruz threw the handgun onto a nearby rooftop then ran eastbound in the alley towards Laurel Canyon Boulevard. After a short foot pursuit, Delacruz was taken into custody in the 6700 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard
Delacruz was not struck by gunfire or injured during this incident.
The handgun Delacruz was armed with was recovered at scene.
Roberto Delacruz was arrested and booked for 245(a)(4) p.c. "Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer."
No officers were injured during the incident.
LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses and supervised the collection of evidence by the Forensic Science Division.
The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who responded to the scene will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officer was reasonable.