LAPD body cam released after K9 assist in arrest after the suspect fled from a traffic stop
By: On February 10, 2023, around 5:00 p.m., 77th Street uniformed Gang Enforcement Detail (GED) officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation. Once the driver stepped out of the vehicle, he ran from the officers. GED officers established a perimeter to search for the subject.
Officers discovered a loaded firearm in the vehicle. A perimeter was established, and a foot search was in progress when officers identified an area where the subject was seen by the officers. Metropolitan (METRO) K9 officers responded to the incident to search for the subject. Prior to conducting their search, Metro K9 officers and the Air Unit gave several commands for the subject to surrender.
The subject did not comply with the officers’ commands. During the K9 search, the dog entered a crawl space underneath the house and located the subject, resulting in a K9 contact. The subject subsequently exited the crawl space and surrendered to officers.
The subject was injured as a result of the K9 contact. He was transported by paramedics to a local hospital, where he was treated by medical staff. Due to his wounds being exposed to unsanitary conditions underneath the residence, the subject was admitted for further treatment.
The subject was determined to have a felony warrant in Orange County. Orange County Sheriffs were notified but declined to respond and take custody of the subject due to his hospitalization.
The second occupant, 26-year-old Michael Johnson, was booked for “Felon Possession of a Firearm 29800(a) PC”.
The third occupant of the vehicle was questioned and released.
A 9 mm handgun with a removed serial number was recovered at scene. There was one round in the chamber and six rounds in the magazine.
No officers were injured during this incident.