Officer-Involved Shooting in West Valley Division NRF017-25ma

May 15, 2025    NRF017-25ma

UPDATE

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Chief of Police authorized the release of the officer’s name who was involved in an Officer-Involved Shooting in West Valley Area. The officer has been identified as West Valley Area Police Officer II James Funes, Serial No. 44395.

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: On May 12, 2025, around 9:30 p.m., West Valley Patrol Division uniformed officers responded to a call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW). The comments of the call indicated the suspect was armed with a knife and frying pan in an apartment complex, located in the 6200 block of Reseda Boulevard. As officers arrived, they saw the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Rafiullah Erfan, in an agitated state, yelling from the window of his first-floor apartment. Erfan then used a frying pan to break the glass of his apartment window. Officers broadcast a backup request, and additional units arrived at the scene.

Officers formulated a tactical plan and entered the courtyard area of the apartment complex. As officers entered the courtyard, Erfan ran toward the officers, armed with a knife, resulting in a TASER deployment and an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS). Erfan was struck by gunfire and fell onto the pavement, where he was taken into custody. Erfan was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound. Erfan was booked as for 245(C) PC-ADW on a Peace Officer, booking number 7015426.

No officers or community members were injured during this incident.

A black handled 5-inch kitchen knife was recovered from the scene and booked as evidence.

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.