This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Police tightlipped about Stenroos motive
El Camino High School was on campus-wide lockdown twice in two weeks. Once was because a student brought a gun to school. L.A. police say the first time around, L.A. public schools officer Jeff Strenroos lied about taking a shot to the chest.
(
Patricia Nazario/KPCC
)
Listen
0:55
Police tightlipped about Stenroos motive
Police tightlipped about Stenroos motive
Los Angeles police still aren’t saying much about last month’s shooting that involved school police officer Jeff Stenroos.
At his monthly media briefing, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck refused to confirm reports that Stenroos had accidentally shot himself.
“He did?" Beck asked with a chuckle. "I haven’t told you that.”
The eight-year school police veteran initially said someone had shot him outside El Camino Real High School in the San Fernando Valley. That prompted a massive manhunt for the shooter. The officer recanted a week later.
“He has cooperated in that he’s told us that his initial statement is not true," Beck said. "Beyond that, I’m not going to give credence to any other statements he’s made until I can corroborate them.”
The chief has said Stenroos has a bruise on his chest that’s consistent with someone who’s been shot while wearing a bullet proof vest. Beck said detectives are still looking at where, when and how the 30-year-old officer was shot. Regardless of whether an accident, Beck said one thing is for sure.
“We will seek a felony filing on Mr. Stenroos,” Beck said.
Sponsored message
Beck said that at a minimum, Stenroos faces charges that he filed a false police report.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
