On December 31, 2018, around 4:40 a.m., Van Nuys Area police officers responded to the 13600 block of Vanowen Street for a radio call of a screaming woman. Officers went to the apartment which was given to them in the radio call. Rony Parras-Mendez, eighteen years old, came to the door of the apartment armed with a large kitchen knife. Parras-Mendez was given commands, which he did not follow, and quickly moved toward one of the officers; at that time, there was an officer-involved shooting. Parras-Mendez was struck by gunfire and determined deceased at the location by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel. Prior to the arrival of the officers, Parras-Mendez had physically assaulted an adult male who lives at the apartment complex. The male was transported to a local hospital where he received medical treatment. No officers were injured during the incident. A knife, approximately 9 inches in length, was located at the scene and booked as evidence by investigators.
LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General and Los Angeles County District Attorney's Justice System Integrity Division responded and monitored the investigation. The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and 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 the LAPD's policies and procedures. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office who responded to the scene will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officer(s) violated any criminal laws.
LAPD
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