Suspect Shot After Pointing a Gun at an Off Duty LAPD Officer

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, May 8, 2000

"Suspect Shot after Pointing a Gun at an Off Duty LAPD Officer"

Los Angeles – On May 7, 2000, at 6:25 p.m., off duty Hollenbeck Police Officer Ralph Mendoza was walking with two male companions in the 2800 Block of Partridge Avenue. A vehicle containing three suspects pulled along side the officer and the driver asked, "Where you from?" The driver then pointed a gun at the officer. In fear of his life, Officer Mendoza identified himself as a Police Officer and fired one round at the suspect.

The suspect drove from the scene and went to a residence a short distance away. The suspect who was struck in the upper torso, was transported by an individual to County USC Medical Center where he was treated, taken into custody and booked for ADW on a police officer. The other two suspects who fled the scene, along with the suspect’s weapon, are outstanding.

Robbery-Homicide Division is conducting the investigation. Please direct all inquiries to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

For Release 2:00 pm PDT
May 8, 2000