LAPD use less lethal on the suspect who threatened to burn down an RV, cordless drill in waistband

On July 4, 2024, around 12:45 a.m., Newton Division uniformed officers responded to a radio call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon Domestic Violence Restraining Order (RO) violation.

The comments of the call indicated the suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Carlos Rangel, was married to the victim. The victim had a valid RO against Rangel, who threatened to burn down the victim’s Recreational Vehicle (RV) with the victim and her two minor children inside.

When the officers arrived, they observed Rangel standing at the rear of the RV. Rangel immediately moved away from the RV and reached for his front waistband. Rangel’s shirt covered an unknown object. Despite the officers’ repeated commands, Rangel failed to comply with their attempts to de-escalate and failed to remove his hands from his waistband.

One officer provided a verbal warning to Rangel that a 40mm Less-Lethal-Launcher (LLL) may be used. Rangel continued to reach for his waistband, which resulted in two officers deploying a total of three rounds from their 40mm LLL at him. Rangel was struck by the rounds and taken into custody without further incident. The object in his waistband was later determined to be a cordless drill.

Officers requested an ambulance, and Rangel was taken to a local hospital, where he was admitted due to a fractured index finger sustained as a result of the 40mm deployment.

During the investigation, it was determined that Rangel attempted to set the RV on fire with the Victim and her children inside. Rangel was booked for Attempt Murder, booking #6840800. Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident. Los Angeles Fire Department Arson investigators also responded and are working in conjunction with FID.

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