Officer Involved Shooting with SWAT in West Los Angeles Division NRF040 24ma

**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 with SWAT in West Los Angeles Division.

On July 29, 2024, around 3:20 a.m., West Los Angeles Division uniformed officers responded to a radio call of a Burglary Suspect in the 2600 block of South Halm Avenue. When the officers arrived, they met with the person who had called the police and were told the suspect, later identified as Lavell Adama, attempted to break into his home before breaking his elderly neighbor's window and entering her residence, causing her to flee. Shortly thereafter, the woman's house was set on fire.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and also observed Adama inside the residence. While inside the residence, officers attempted to take Adama into custody; however, Adama was armed with a knife and lunged toward officers, resulting in one officer deploying two Beanbag shotgun rounds towards Adama, who then barricaded himself inside the residence while still armed with the knife.

Metropolitan Division Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) responded and were establishing containment when Adama exited the residence through a side window covered with a blanket. Special Weapons and Tactics officers gave multiple commands for Adama to show his hands, drop the blanket, and comply with their directions. Multiple warnings related to force being used were also verbalized to Adama. Adama did not comply; instead, he lifted his right arm, holding a large butcher knife, and charged the officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting with the simultaneous deployment of a TASER. The suspect was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground, dropping the knife.

Los Angeles Fire Department Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) unit immediately assessed Adama, who was determined to be deceased. No officers or other community members were injured due to this incident.

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident. Los Angeles Fire Department Arson investigators also responded to the scene and are investigating the fire at the residence.