The Los Angeles Police Department recently released video footage of an officer-involved shooting that began with a traffic stop in Boyle Heights and ended with a fleeing passenger injured.
According to police, on June 5 at around 4:50 pm, officers assigned to the Hollenbeck Area Gang Enforcement stopped a vehicle on the 150 block of North Myers Street. Officers then engaged in a foot pursuit after a male passenger, later identified as 27-year-old José Abel Iribe, fled the vehicle during the traffic stop.
In the body worn camera video, edited and with commentary by an LAPD spokesperson, Iribe is seen tossing a handgun that then hit a green shipping container before falling to the ground. An officer opens fire after Iribe reaches down to grab the gun, which he then throws.
Iribe, who is visibly bleeding, is heard saying “I’m bleeding, my leg is messed up” as he backs towards officers who repeatedly order him to get on the ground.
After various warnings, which Iribe says he is unable to follow because of pain from the shooting, an officer tases him. Once on the ground, he is handcuffed by an officer.
The female driver of the vehicle was found near the 101 Freeway and North Mission Street and was taken into custody by police.
In the video, the LAPD spokesperson says Iribe, who survived his injury, is said to be a known gang member with a criminal history of domestic violence. After being arrested, Iribe was charged on multiple counts, including being a felon in possession of a gun and assault with a deadly weapon.
The LAPD says the shooting is under investigation and it has not been determined if the officers in the video acted within department policy.
No officers were injured during the altercation.
Photo above: screen shot from video released by LAPD.
