Black Woman Shot by LAPD After Assaulting Several People with a Weight Bar

*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*

The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Jessica Brown.

The LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene, interviewed witnesses, and supervised the collection of evidence by the Forensic Science Division personnel. 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.

Los Angeles: On July 9, 2023, at around 8:30am, West Valley Division officers responded to multiple radio calls that were generated for an “ADW” (Assault with a Deadly Weapon) suspect that assaulted several victims in the area of Reseda Boulevard and Hatteras Street. The suspect is described as a female in her 30’s assaulted 4 victims along Reseda Boulevard. Those unsuspecting victims sustained serious head and face injuries, two of which remain hospitalized in stable condition.

When officers arrived to the area of the call, they encountered the suspect near the parking lot of a gas station at the intersection of Reseda Boulevard and Burbank Boulevard armed with a metal pipe. As the suspect held the pipe and advanced toward the officers, they deployed a taser and 40mm foam baton round and an officer-involved shooting occurred. The metal pipe was determined to be a metal dumbbell bar, approximately 14 inches long.

The suspect was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Additional investigation has revealed that the female is a suspect in similar incidents that occurred yesterday resulting in four victims. A mother and child were in a parked vehicle when the suspect smashed the windows. Two males were also struck with a similarly described weapon yesterday, one in the head causing a cut, and the other in the arm. Both declined medical treatment.

No officers were injured during today’s encounter.