Los Angeles: On Saturday, November 3, 2001 at approximately 8:00 p.m., Hollywood Operations Support Division plain clothes Detectives T. Small, 48 years of age, 18 years with the Department and B. Pogue, 34 years of age, 8 years with the Department, were conducting a follow-up investigation in Rampart Area. The Detectives were driving an unmarked police vehicle south on north Virgil Avenue from Burns Avenue. They observed a group of people congregated on the sidewalk on the 800 block of North Virgil Avenue. The detectives observed two male Hispanic suspects about to attack a third male Hispanic. One of the suspects, subsequently identified as Juan Miron, held a hammer over his head and was advancing to strike the victim. The second suspect held a knife. Both suspects were advancing on the victim.
Detective Pogue stopped their vehicle. Both detectives exited their vehicle, identified themselves as police officers and ordered the suspect to stop. The victim walked toward detective Small. The suspect with the knife stopped and raised his hands. Miron, however continued to advance on the victim and Detective Small brandishing the hammer. Miron stated that he was going to get the victim. The detectives repeatedly ordered Miron to stop and drop the hammer. Miron refused to comply and continued to advance on the victim and Detective Small. Detective Small, in fear for his life and the life of the victim, drew his service pistol and fired at Miron. Miron walked to the center of Virgil Avenue and continued to advance toward the victim and Detective Small, still brandishing the hammer and stating that he was going to get the victim. Detectives Pogue and Small repeatedly ordered Miron to stop. Miron refused to comply. Detectives Pogue and Small, fearing for the life of the victim and Detective Small, fired their service pistols at Miron. Miron fell wounded but continued to crawl towards the victim, still brandishing the hammer. Detective Pogue kicked the hammer from Miron’s hand and the detectives took him into custody.
Miron was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and listed in stable condition. He was booked for 245 PC (ADW on a Police Officer). Neither the detectives nor the victim were injured. The second suspect remained outstanding at the time of this release.
Information for this press release was provided by Lt. II R. Papke, Critical Incident Investigation Division.
This press release was prepared by Police Officer Victoria Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.