Officer-Involved Shooting in Van Nuys Division NRF069-18ma

January 10, 2019

Update The personnel involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer III Ko Kim, Serial No. 41359, assigned to Van Nuys Area.

Officer-Involved Shooting of Man Armed with a Knife in Van Nuys Division

**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 Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting which occurred when a man armed with a knife failed to follow commands by officers and moved toward one of the officers.

On December 31, 2018, around 4:40 a.m., Van Nuys Area police officers responded to the 13600 block of Vanowen Street for a radio call of a screaming woman. Officers went to the apartment which was given to them in the radio call. Rony Parras-Mendez, eighteen years old, came to the door of the apartment armed with a large kitchen knife. Parras-Mendez was given commands, which he did not follow, and quickly moved toward one of the officers; at that time, there was an officer-involved shooting. Parras-Mendez was struck by gunfire and determined deceased at the location by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel.

Prior to the arrival of the officers, Parras-Mendez had physically assaulted an adult male who lives at the apartment complex. The male was transported to a local hospital where he received medical treatment. No officers were injured during the incident.

A knife, approximately 9 inches in length, was located at the scene and booked as evidence by investigators.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and 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 the LAPD’s policies and procedures. Additionally, representatives from 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(s) violated any criminal laws.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers: • During business hours at (213) 486-5230; • During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247); • Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or • Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.