Officer-Involved Shooting in West Valley Division NRF013-25bb

April 23, 2025 

UPDATE

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officer’s name
who was involved in an Officer-Involved Shooting in West Valley Area. The officer has been
identified as West Valley Area Police Officer III William Tarasoff, Serial No. 42737.

April 21, 2025 

Officer-Involved Shooting in West Valley 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: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in West Valley Division.

On April 20, 2025, at around 5:55 p.m., a radio call was generated for an Assault with a Deadly Weapon Suspect, in the 6400 block of Reseda Boulevard. The comments of the call indicated the suspect was trespassing, while armed with a handgun, and shouting obscenities.

An LAPD air unit arrived overhead and observed the suspect armed with a handgun. From the air unit, the Tactical Flight Officer directed the suspect, via the public address system, to drop the handgun. Instead, the suspect pointed and fired his handgun at the air unit, which prompted a help call to be broadcast.

West Valley Area uniformed officers responded and were directed to the suspect, who was inside the apartment complex. The suspect proceeded to an alley adjacent to the building, while still armed with the handgun. The officers contacted the suspect and ordered him to drop his weapon. The suspect refused to comply and a 40mm Less-Lethal Launcher (LLL) was discharged toward the suspect but was ineffective. The suspect then pointed his handgun at the officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. During the incident, the suspect fired multiple rounds at officers. He was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground in proximity to the handgun.

The suspect was then taken into custody without further incident. Officers rendered aid to the suspect until the arrival of Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, who assessed the suspect and determined him to be deceased. Identification and notification to the suspect’s next of kin will be conducted by the Los Angeles County Coroners Office. The suspect is described as a male adult.

A Smith & Wesson, 6-cylinder revolver, with 6 fired cartridge casings inside the cylinder was recovered next to the suspect and booked as evidence.

No officers or other community members were injured as a result of this incident.