EspañolInvestigation Underway After Los Angeles Police Department Killed Man Who Harmed Himself in Koreatown on South Vermont Avenue
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (November 30, 2025) – Los Angeles Police Department officials shot a man who was using some type of glass to injure himself in Koreatown along South Vermont Avenue.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place around 7:15 AM on Friday. Police officers were called to the scene after getting a report of an assault with a deadly weapon.
When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a man in his 30s. The man was allegedly using a piece of glass to stab himself.
For undetermined reasons, police officers opened fire and shot the man. Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim.
He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Los Angeles Police Shootings
A large portion of serious injury and fatal police encounters involve a suspect in a mental health crisis. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, “The risk of being killed while being approached or stopped by law enforcement in the community is 16 times higher for individuals with untreated serious mental illness than for other civilians. By the most conservative estimates, at least 1 in 4 fatal law enforcement encounters involves an individual with serious mental illness.” California’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (“P.O.S.T.”) requires that officers take certain steps to avoid harming suspects who may be in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Request backup
- Calm the situation
- Avoid physical contact
- Determine if the suspect is taking medication
- Acknowledge the suspect’s feelings
- Not make any threats
Despite these requirements, police officers will routinely fail to follow protocol related to encounters with a suspect who may be in the midst of a mental health crisis. Depending on the facts of any case, this may be construed as negligence. For example, an officer’s “failure to follow a safety rule promulgated by his employer, regardless of its substance, serves as evidence of negligence.” See, for example, Grudt, 468 P.2d at 831 (citation omitted); see People v. Brown, 245 Cal. App. 4th 140, 171 (Ct. App. 2016).
Steps to Take After Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
The Los Angeles Police Department has a long and sordid history of using excessive force against suspects. According to the Los Angeles Times, “LAPD officers shot at 29 people last year, down from 34 in 2023, according to a report from the department. Police have already opened fire at least 31 times in less than nine months this year.” It is important to take certain steps after any LAPD shooting.
- Investigation: Victims should request a copy of the report of the shooting.
- Body Cameras: All the body camera footage from responding officers should be reviewed.
- Context: The circumstances leading up to the shooting should be well understood. A police shooting may have been unjustified, given the context it took place in, even if it seemed justified in the moment.
- Legal Support: Any person harmed in an LAPD shooting should seek the guidance of an experienced civil rights attorney.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any instance of excessive force by police officers. Victims may be left with serious physical injuries and lasting psychological harm. When police departments investigate themselves, they almost always find their officers did nothing wrong. This is why it is so important to get a second opinion. An attorney can examine the facts of your case free of cost and let you know if you may be able to pursue damages through a civil action.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm were very concerned to hear about this police shooting in Koreatown. It is our sincere hope that the victim will be able to make a full recovery and get the treatment that he needs. This person clearly needed assistance. Instead, he was met with deadly force by officers. Many questions remain unanswered.
Have you or someone you care about been harmed due to the excessive force of the LAPD? You may have legal recourse. Our team of Los Angeles County civil rights attorneys is here to help. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that law-enforcement agencies are held accountable for their unconstitutional actions. Whether you have legal questions or need any other type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
