LAPD Investigating Two Shootings in the West LA Area NR23031ne

Update

On February 16, 2023 at approximately 5:45 p.m., a suspect was taken into custody who the Los Angeles Police Department believes is responsible for the two shootings in West Los Angeles that occurred on February 15 and 16, 2023.

Los Angeles Police Department’s investigation led to the identification of a suspect believed to have committed both shootings which launched an exhaustive search. The facts of the case led to this crime being investigated as a hate crime.

The suspect was tracked to an area in Riverside County and investigators began working collaboratively with Federal and regional partners to locate him, resulting in the suspect being taken into custody without incident. Detectives recovered several items of evidence, to include a rifle and a handgun. The investigation is ongoing and further details will be made public in the following days.

The LAPD is working with state and federal authorities on this investigation.

In an abundance of caution, there will continue to be an increased police presence and patrols around Jewish places of worship and surrounding neighborhoods through the weekend.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating two shooting incidents in the past two days within the Jewish community of West Los Angeles.  The Department’s specialized Major Crimes Division has assumed responsibility and is currently interviewing witnesses and pursuing all leads.

The first shooting occurred on February 15, 2023, around 9:55 a.m., in the 1400 block of Shenandoah Street. The second incident occurred February 16, 2023, around 8:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of S. Bedford Street.

Detectives now believe the shootings may have involved the same suspect.  The suspect is described as a male Asian with a mustache and goatee, driving a possible white compact vehicle.

The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of the concern these crimes have raised in the surrounding community.  We have been in close contact with religious leaders as well as individual and organizational community stakeholders.  In addition, we are re-allocating police resources to provide a highly visible and preventative presence in the area.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.