On August 6, 2023, at approximately 12:20 P.M., officers from the Olympic Division Patrol were driving east on the 2600 block of Pico Boulevard when they encountered a suspect wielding a handgun. The suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Jose Delgado-Pinto, was standing in the opposing lanes of traffic, pointing the weapon at the officers.
As the officers stopped their vehicle in the roadway, Delgado-Pinto opened fire at them, initiating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) situation. In response, Delgado-Pinto fled one block east and discarded his firearm near the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Dewey Avenue. Additional patrol units quickly arrived and located Delgado-Pinto at the southwest corner of Pico Boulevard and Berendo Street.
Delgado-Pinto, still exhibiting signs of aggression, took a fighting stance, prompting the officers to deploy a TASER in an attempt to subdue him. As a result, Delgado-Pinto fell to the ground and was subsequently taken into custody.
During the exchange of gunfire, Delgado-Pinto sustained gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital by the Fire Department paramedics, where he received medical treatment and was later released. After his release, Delgado-Pinto was booked for attempted murder.
Fortunately, neither the officers nor any members of the community were injured in the incident, although the police vehicle did sustain some damage from the gunfire. The investigation revealed that Delgado-Pinto was in possession of a Ghost Gun, which was recovered at the scene.
The LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division promptly responded to the scene. They conducted interviews with witnesses and oversaw the collection of evidence by the Forensic Science Division personnel. The investigation will be thoroughly reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Office of the Inspector General to ensure its accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the LAPD’s policies and procedures regarding the use of deadly force.
The incident generated significant public interest, prompting the release of a video related to the Officer-Involved Shooting. The video, which can be viewed at the provided link, offers additional insight into the encounter between the officers and Delgado-Pinto.
The LAPD remains committed to transparency and accountability in its law enforcement practices. By sharing information about critical incidents, such as this Officer-Involved Shooting, the department aims to build trust and maintain open lines of communication with the community it serves.
The release of the video and the subsequent investigation allow the public and relevant stakeholders to evaluate the actions of the involved officers and ensure that they acted in accordance with the department’s procedures and protocols. This commitment to inquiry and examination is essential for fostering a sense of justice and fairness in the community.
In conclusion, the Officer-Involved Shooting on August 6, 2023, involving Jose Delgado-Pinto highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily while fulfilling their duty to protect and serve. The LAPD’s swift response and commitment to conducting a thorough investigation demonstrate its dedication to maintaining public safety and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. With the public’s trust and cooperation, the department will continue its efforts to ensure that law enforcement practices align with its mission of safeguarding the community.
