EXPOSITION PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — New body camera video details the moments that led to a police shooting in which a man shot at officers near Exposition Park.
The shooting happened the afternoon of July 5.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers were patrolling the area along the Western Avenue corridor near Martin Luther King Park when they spotted 26-year-old Ernesto Sepulveda riding a bicycle on the sidewalk.
He was believed to be armed and was stopped by officers. Police said Sepulveda suddenly took off running and pulled out a gun.
“During the foot pursuit, Sepulveda removed a pistol from his waistband and fired at the officers,” said police in a statement.
One officer was shot in both of his legs while a bullet grazed his cheek.
The video, which was posted on LAPD’s YouTube channel, shows officers quickly swarming the area near the park.
Sepulveda is seen tossing the gun as he runs.
“Sepulveda experienced a malfunction with his firearm and discarded the weapon, before fleeing farther into MLK Park,” said police. “Responding officers continued to pursue Sepulveda on foot and a Non-Categorical Use of Force (NCUOF) occurred when Sepulveda was taken into custody.”
The officer who was shot remains hospitalized in stable condition, according to police.
Sepulveda was also taken to a local hospital for a laceration to his head. He was treated and cleared by medical staff for booking.
He was charged with two felony counts each of premeditated attempted murder of a police officer and one felony count of carrying an unregistered loaded handgun. He has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 75 years to life in state prison if convicted.
Meanwhile, a 9mm Polymer 80 Ghost Gun, a loaded magazine, and discharged cartridge cases were recovered at scene and booked as evidence.
The incident remains under investigation.
