Homeless Black Man Armed With a Gun Robs Several People Including a Taco Stand in L.A.

UPDATE
November 7, 2024 NRF051-24cm

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officers’ names who were involved in an Officer-Involved Shooting that occurred on Friday, November 1, 2024, in Southeast Area, FID Case No. F051-24. The officers are identified as:

· Police Officer Luther Lordeus, Serial No. 44022
· Police Officer Martin Eudave, Serial No. 44006

*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 Southeast Division.

On November 1, 2024, at around 9:00 pm, Southeast Division uniformed patrol officers responded to a radio call in the area of 92nd Street and South Central Avenue. The suspect, later identified as Nija Hill, pistol whipped two victims in an alley adjacent to a laundromat, located near the 9200 block of South Central Avenue. Hill then entered the laundromat and threatened several additional victims while still armed. Hill then proceeded to the exterior of the business where he again threatened several vendors with the firearm.

As officers arrived, they observed Hill standing on the sidewalk outside of the laundromat, who immediately fled, and a short foot pursuit ensued. During the foot pursuit, Hill produced a firearm and fired at officers, which resulted in an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS), near the 9200 block of South Central Avenue. Both officers were struck by gunfire and the suspect escaped.

Officers broadcast a Help Call and set up a perimeter in the surrounding area. In the interim, Hill fled to the area of 93rd street and Clovis Avenue where he attempted to carjack an additional victim. The carjack attempt was unsuccessful, and Hill hid within the perimeter. Metropolitan Division Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) responded to the scene and after an extensive search, located Hill in the area of 92nd Street and Wadsworth Avenue, where he was taken into custody without incident.

It was observed during his detention that Hill had sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg during the OIS. Hill was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his wound and cleared for booking. Both officers were also transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics where they were treated for their wounds and subsequently discharged.

Additionally, a single victim of the ADW was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and discharged for his injuries. A Glock Model 17, 9mm, semi-automatic firearm and empty magazine were located in a trash receptacle in the area of 93rd Street and Clovis Avenue and nine discharged 9mm cartridges were located within the OIS crime scene. The pistol, magazine, and cartridge casings were processed and booked into evidence.

Force Investigation Division (FID) and Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.