LAPD Fatally Shoot Mentally Ill Man During Attack
Another officer-involved shooting (OIS) is being investigated. LAPD officers on patrol in Southeast LA just after 8 p.m. on January 24 responded to a radio call in the 900 block of East 107th Street regarding a male suffering from mental illness. They received information the suspect, 48-year-old Earl Rose was verbally aggressive and had been refusing to take his prescribed medication.
5' 11" and approximately 240 pounds, Rose ran into his bedroom, was verbally aggressive and behaved erratically when officers arrived and attempted to calm him down and detain him for medical assistance. The suspect’s behavior led officers to believe he would become violent and they returned to their vehicle to collect "less than lethal options" while waiting for backup units, notes the LAPD official release.
While in the front of the house, officers were charged by Rose who reportedly came outside aggressively. A bean bag shotgun temporarily knocked him to the ground, however, "the suspect attempted to get up and continue his attack, causing them to use a TASER," reports LAPD, "which had no effect." The suspect again charge officers, tearing a badge from one of the uniforms and attempted to take the bean bag gun and a firearm.
The suspect was shot by both officers, taken into custody and medical assistance was called. Los Angeles City Fire Department responded, pronouncing Rose dead at the scene. Officers were injured during the struggle. No family members reported injuries as a result of the incident.
LAPD Force Investigation Division is conducting an investigation to be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners to determine compliance with use of force policy. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will also conduct a review.