The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting on June 22 in Hollywood that claimed the life of a man who allegedly pointed a gun at officers.
Patrol officers from the LAPD’s Hollywood Division were called to an apartment building in the 7200 block of Hillside Drive at approximately 11 p.m. to help an unidentified man retrieve personal belongings from an apartment he shared with a roommate. LAPD spokesman Sgt. Frank Preciado said officers are routinely asked to accompany people to retrieve belongings after disputes occur between two parties. The apartment building is located in a neighborhood northwest of La Brea and Franklin avenues, near the base of the Hollywood Hills.
As two officers and the man attempted to enter the apartment, they were confronted by the man’s roommate, who was armed with a handgun. The roommate pointed the gun at the officers, who fired their guns, retreated to a safe position and called for help. It is unclear if the officers’ shots struck the gunman, who went back inside the apartment.
Additional officers arrived minutes later and began gathering in front of the building. The gunman walked out onto a fourth-story balcony and pointed the gun at officers below, resulting in another officer-involved shooting, Preciado said. As many as 10 officers fired, striking and killing the gunman. The suspect was identified as Santino Cesar Trevino, 20.
“It was the result of a dispute. They were young, both in their 20s,” Preciado added. “[The roommate] is cooperating with detectives. It’s going to be a very extensive investigation that may take months and months. They will be investigating and reviewing to determine whether the deadly force was within policy.”
Preciado said investigators are working with authorities from the coroner’s office to determine if the gunman was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The handgun was recovered at the scene. No officers were injured.
Preciado said officers often accompany people to retrieve belongings, however, the confrontation and shooting were unusual.
“We get these requests day in and day out, whether it’s roommates, neighbors, domestic partners or what have you,” Preciado said. “99.9 percent of the time we just stand by while they get their belongings and it’s end of story.”
The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is conducting the investigation. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General will also conduct separate investigations, as is routine in officer-involved shootings. The results of all three investigations will be forwarded to Chief Charlie Beck, who will make a final determination whether the shooting was within LAPD policy.