LAPD Identifies Officer in West Valley Shooting; Suspect Fatally Shot After Firing at Police Helicopter, Ground Officers

LOS ANGELES — A suspect who was armed with a handgun and behaving threateningly, was shot by police officers after firing shots at a police helicopter and police officers.

Armed Man Fires Shots at LAPD Air Unit, Gets Taken Down by Officers

The shooting stemmed from a 911 call reporting a man trespassing with a handgun and yelling profanities in the 6400 block of Reseda Boulevard. The incident began around 5:55 p.m. when an LAPD air unit arrived on scene and visually confirmed the suspect was armed. Officers in the helicopter issued verbal commands over the public address system, directing the man to drop the weapon.

According to LAPD investigators, the suspect responded by pointing his firearm at the air unit and firing at least one round. A citywide help call was immediately broadcast, prompting rapid response from West Valley Division officers.

Ground officers located the suspect within an adjacent alley. They issued multiple commands for him to disarm, but he refused. In an attempt to de-escalate, officers deployed a 40mm less-lethal launcher, which was ineffective.

The suspect then allegedly pointed his handgun at the officers, prompting them to return fire. Multiple rounds were exchanged during the confrontation. The suspect was struck and collapsed near the weapon.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the male suspect deceased at the scene. His identity will be released by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office pending next-of-kin notification.

Investigators recovered a Smith & Wesson six-shot revolver next to the suspect, with all six rounds fired.

No officers or bystanders were injured during the encounter.

The incident remains under active investigation by LAPD’s Force Investigation Division. In accordance with department policy and state law, all relevant video, witness interviews, and forensic evidence are being reviewed to determine whether officers’ actions were legally and administratively justified.