[LBPD release text] On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Long Beach Police received a call from the Long Beach Fire Department requesting assistance in the 4600 block of East 15th Street. Fire Department personnel were responding to a report of a subject who had fallen out of a second story window, was acting intoxicated (on drugs), and displayed violent behavior.
The preliminary investigation revealed that prior to police or fire personnel’s arrival, the suspect was acting erratically and got into a physical altercation with his friends that lasted approximately 10 minutes. While they tried to restrain him, he broke loose and jumped through the glass of a second story window. The suspect continued to behave irrationally and a short time later, the officer arrived.
The officer observed a group of three male subjects in an alley. As the officer began to exit his patrol vehicle, one of the subjects began to walk quickly towards him. He appeared to have a large cut on his body and was covered with blood. The officer told him he was there to help him get medical aid.
The suspect walked toward the officer, who gave him commands to stop so that medical treatment could be rendered. The suspect advanced more rapidly toward the officer who perceived the suspect was now a threat and going to assault him. During the next few minutes, the officer utilized verbal commands, an electronic control device, an impact weapon, and physical force to gain compliance but was unsuccessful. Ultimately, the suspect again advanced toward the officer, telling the officer he was going to attack him. At that time, an officer involved shooting occurred.
The officer took the suspect into custody and Fire personnel began life saving measures before transporting him to a local hospital. The male adult was later pronounced deceased.
At this time, the suspect’s name is not being released. The Los Angeles County Coroner will make positive identification and will notify the next of kin.
The Police Department thoroughly reviews all use of force incidents through a rigorous multi-step process that evaluates legal, policy, tactical, and equipment issues.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent investigation of the shooting, as they do with all officer involved shootings that occur in Los Angeles County that result in injury of death.
The Long Beach Homicide Detail investigates all officer involved shootings. This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org
LBPD's investigation is ongoing, as well as an independent investigation by the L.A. County DA's office (routine in all officer-involved hit shootings.) LBREPORT.com may have further details later today and will add them here as received.