THE LAPD has ordered a transparent investigation into the death of a girl, 14, who was shot when officers responded to an incident at the Burlington Coat Factory in North Hollywood.
LAPD confirmed that officers fired their guns at the suspect who was assaulting another person with a deadly weapon, killing him, and that during the shooting, the teen was struck by a bullet that went through a wall.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Police Chief Michel Moore ordered a transparent investigation and the release of bodycam footage by Monday.
“I have directed the release of the critical incident video by December 27th, which will include 911 calls, radio transmissions, body worn video and any other CCTV and other evidence gathered at this preliminary stage,” he said.
During a press briefing on Thursday evening, police said that the bullet went though a wall and struck the teen in a dressing room. At this time, authorities believe it was an officer who fired the bullet.
Police also confirmed that the suspect had a bike lock/chain which he was assaulting another person with.
“We did locate a steal/metal cable lock, a very heavy lock near the suspect which we preliminarily believe was involved,” LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said during the briefing.
Choi said that authorities were reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing officers to get more information about what happened.
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At this time, police do not believe that the teen who was shot was related or with the initial target of the attack.
They have not yet located a gun and it’s unclear if one was ever used in the attack.
Police confirmed to The Sun that units received calls of assault with a deadly weapon at the store in Los Angeles on Thursday morning.
Another person who was injured in the attack was reportedly taken to the hospital.
Employees told Fox 11 a man with a crowbar entered the store and began bashing display cases.
As customers hid for safety, witnesses reportedly heard gunshots; however, it is unclear if the shots came from the suspect or cops, per Fox.
Police said the incident unfolded on the second floor of the store, where officers quickly detained the suspect.
LAPD quickly debunked reports of an active shooter at the location, tweeting: “This is NOT an active shooter.”
It’s unclear at this time what the suspect’s motive was.
Video from the scene showed a heavy police presence in the department store’s parking lot.
Footage posted to social media showed a woman who appeared to have blood on her face walking out of the North Hollywood Burlington Coat Factory.
EMT and fire officials were seen wheeling a stretcher into the store.
Nearby streets have since been shut down as officers investigate the shooting.
