LAPD Shoot Crazed Man With a Knife

The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Police Officer II Diego Bracamontes, Serial No.40514 and Police Officer II Hayley Basile, Serial No.44870, both officers are assigned to Newton Division.

*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: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in Newton Division.

On July 20, 2023, at around 11:35 a.m., Newton Patrol Division uniformed officers responded to a radio call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW) suspect there now, where the caller indicated that the suspect, while armed with a knife was threatening another person. The assault occurred at an apartment building located in the 1000 block of East 7th Street.

Officers arrived at the location and met with security, who advised that the suspect was located on the 6th floor of the building. Security staff escorted the officers to the elevator where they ascended to the 6th floor. Upon the elevator doors opening on the 6th floor, the officers encountered the suspect, who was armed with a knife and an umbrella. The suspect raised the knife above his head and advanced towards the officers which resulted in an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) and simultaneous deployment of a 40mm less-lethal projectile.

The suspect was struck by gunfire and by the less lethal projectile. He fell to the ground and was taken into custody without further incident.

Officers at scene rendered aid to the suspect until the arrival of Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel. He was transported by rescue ambulance to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. No officers or bystanders were injured during this incident.

Representatives from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner responded to the hospital and positively identified the suspect; however, his identity is being withheld until notification to the next of kin.

A five-inch fixed blade knife was recovered at scene and booked as evidence.

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.