LAPD Arrest Armed Gangbanger After Brief Shootout

July 9, 2025 NRF032-25bb

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officer’s name who was involved in an Officer-Involved Shooting, that occurred on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Southwest Area. The involved Southwest Division officer was Police Officer III Gabriel De Alba, Serial No. 42931.

*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 Southwest Division.

On July 5, 2025, at around 3:45 p.m., Southwest Area uniformed Gang Enforcement Detail officers were conducting patrol along the Western Avenue corridor near Martin Luther King (MLK) Park. Officers observed the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Ernesto Sepulveda, riding a bicycle north on the sidewalk. The officers believed that Sepulveda possessed a handgun and initiated a pedestrian stop on the 3900 block of South Western Avenue.

During the stop, Sepulveda suddenly fled from the officers. During the foot pursuit Sepulveda removed a pistol from his waistband and fired at the officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS). One officer was struck in the legs by gunfire. Sepulveda continued to flee south on Western Avenue and fired an additional round at backup officers. Sepulveda experienced a malfunction with his firearm and discarded the weapon, before fleeing farther into MLK Park. Responding officers continued to pursue Sepulveda on foot and a Non-Categorical Use of Force (NCUOF) occurred when Sepulveda was taken into custody.

The officer injured by gunfire was transported to a local hospital where he received treatment for gunshot wounds to his legs and a graze wound to his cheek. The officer remains hospitalized in stable condition. Sepulveda was transported to a local hospital for a laceration to his head. He was treated and cleared by medical staff for booking.

No other officers or community members were injured during this incident.

A black steel, 9mm, Polymer 80, Ghost Gun, loaded magazine, and discharged cartridge cases were recovered at scene and booked as evidence.