LAPD release videos of a wild chase of a stolen DWP vehicle that resulted in a police shooting
By: On August 9, 2023, around 5:50 p.m., Foothill officers received multiple radio calls, ranging from a hit & run traffic collision to a reckless driver driving a Department of Water and Power (DWP) vehicle in the area of 10600 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. When the officers arrived at the scene, their preliminary investigation determined the crime committed was an Assault with a Deadly Weapon by vehicle and broadcast a vehicle description, as a white, full-size sport utility vehicle.
Responding officers searching the area located the vehicle and a pursuit ensued. The suspect, later identified as 28–year–old Manuel Ramirez, entered the 5 Freeway. During the pursuit, Ramirez collided with two non-involved vehicles.
Ramirez failed to stop, continued on the road and exited at Colorado Boulevard. Upon exiting, Ramirez drove into a multi–unit business parking lot with no access to passage. Ramirez continued up a steep, narrow driveway and rammed through a secured metal gate into a secondary parking lot.
Ramirez conducted a U–turn, accelerated the vehicle towards officers, and intentionally struck two occupied police vehicles and an uninvolved van that was occupied by a citizen. Ramirez’ vehicle came to a stop at Edenhurst Avenue north Colorado Street and as officers tactically approached, an OIS occurred.
Ramirez failed to surrender and accelerated the vehicle towards officers, which resulted in a second OIS. Ramirez continued to drive a short distance and the vehicle came to stop. Officers verbalized with Ramirez to surrender, with no success. When he barricaded himself in the vehicle, the Special Weapons and Tactics team responded to the scene and took Ramirez into custody without further incident.
Ramirez was struck by gunfire during the OIS, and he was transported by to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. Ramirez was released and later booked for California Penal Code 245(C) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer, his bail was set at $152,000.00, Booking No. 6656610.
Three officers were injured during this incident. Two officers injured during the collision were treated at the scene for their injuries. One officer was treated at a local hospital and has been released. The investigation revealed the DWP truck was determined to be an unreported-stolen vehicle.