Deputy-Involved Shootings

Every deputy-involved shooting is traumatic for all involved. Each incident is unique and complex. As such, these incidents go through several internal and external layers of investigation and analysis.

The Sheriff’s Department conducts very thorough and clearly-defined investigations into shootings and uses of force. The Internal Affairs Bureau Force/Shooting Response Team conducts an administrative review of all deputy-involved shootings, when no one is struck by gunfire. Homicide Bureau is responsible for the criminal investigation of all deputy-involved shootings when a person is struck by gunfire.

Each deputy-involved shooting is reviewed by independent investigative agencies. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) members respond to the scene to conduct an independent and thorough review of the evidence. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) also sends a representative to provide independent oversight for best practices.

Upon completion of the initial criminal investigation, Homicide Bureau presents the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Justice System Integrity Division (JSID). JSID evaluates the force used by the involved Sheriff’s personnel to determine whether or not the shooting was legally justified or in violation of the law. In case of a fatality, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner conducts a parallel investigation which may include an autopsy and pathology reports.

In every incident, multiple witness interviews, the examination of available video footage, and expert analysis of significant amounts of forensic evidence are required. Our understanding of these cases may evolve as additional evidence is discovered, collected, analyzed, and reviewed.

Our goal is that the attached documents may provide a better understanding of these complex incidents, based on the information currently available. In each document, redactions may have been made to protect the identity of involved parties and all juvenile subjects.

Who Investigates Deputy-Involved Shootings - graphic

Family Assistance Program -FAP

Shootings which result in injury or fatality

Current year: 2023

Date of IncidentUnitLocationPerson InvolvedFile NumberIncident SummaryCoroner ReportJ.S.I.D ReportVideoFull Press Conference
01/08/23Palmdale StationSpunky Canyon Road, Power Pole #898688E, Santa ClaritaFoster, Alon023-00373-2654-013Yes2023-00307-Yes-
01/11/23Santa Clarita Station24000 block of Valencia Boulevard, ValenciaMercurio, Christopher Lee023-00463-0608-013Yes2023-00483Yes
1/22/23Altadena Station2100 Block of El Sereno, AltadenaTowns, Charles023-00208-0772-013Yes2023-00888Yes
01/26/2023Operation Safe Streets Bureau6100 block of Clarkson Avenue, MaywoodLopez, Miguel023-01205-0250-013Yes2023-01025Yes
01/31/23Operation Safe Streets Bureau15000 block of Stanford Avenue, ComptonBustillos, Mario023-01400-2873-055YesNon-FatalYes
02/10/23Palmdale Station37500 block of Oxford Drive, PalmdaleByram, Everett023-02034-2608-013Yes2023-01689Yes
06-19-23Walnut Station3000 block of Diamond Bar Boulevard, Diamond BarChin, Benjamin023-04539-2927-013Yes2023-07399Yes
06-22-23East Los Angeles Station7100 block of Eastern Ave, Bell GardensCerda, Jesus023-08536-0262-057YesNon-FatalYes
07-04-23Santa Clarita Station24200 block of Arch Street, NewhallCovey Jr., Greg Timothy023-09617-0628-013Yes2023-08340Yes
08-07-23Carson Station17400 block of South Central Avenue, CarsonCernas, Arturo023-07388-1630-013Yes2023-10218Yes
09-04-23 Industry Station16700 Block of Dawn Haven Road, Hacienda HeightsBoozer, Robert023-08958-1470-011Yes2023-11771Yes
09-04-23East Los Angeles Station400 Block of Atlantic Avenue, Los AngelesVillasenor, Eduardo023-12119-0285-013YesNon-FatalYes
12-04-23Lancaster Station2100 block of E. Avenue J8, LancasterFinlayson, Niani023-19310-1137-0522023-16908