SWAT Officer-Involved Shooting in Central Division NRF01422ma

**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) in Central Division.

On May 3, 2022, around 8:20 a.m., Central Patrol officers responded to a backup request for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) at an apartment in the 100 block of West 5th Street. When the officers attempted to speak to the suspect, later identified as 54-year-old Leron James, he pointed a handgun at the officers. The officers immediately set up a perimeter and requested additional resources. James refused to exit the apartment and SWAT responded along with a Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). The CNT attempted to establish communication with James, but were unable to establish dialog. At an impasse with James, SWAT used a chemical agent. James went to an open window and fired one round from a handgun; at which time there was an Officer-Involved Shooting. James was struck by gunfire and pronounced deceased at scene by LAFD personnel. The officers involved in this incident have been identified as Metropolitan Division Police Officer III Howard Ng, Serial No. 30405 and Police Officer III Joseph Dominguez, Serial No. 31216.

A handgun was located and recovered by investigators.

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.