The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is currently conducting an investigation into an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that took place in Central Division. The incident occurred on October 14, 2023, at approximately 1:30 a.m. in the vicinity of South Broadway and 7th Street.
According to reports, uniformed officers from Central Division were approached by a community member who directed them to a man who was allegedly armed with a knife. The officers located the suspect, later identified as 47-year-old Earl Callier, and instructed him to drop the knife. However, Callier refused to comply with their commands and continued to walk north on South Broadway towards 6th Street while still holding the knife.
In an attempt to subdue Callier, the officers deployed 40mm Less-Lethal-Launchers (LLL), but they were ineffective. Callier then ran north on South Broadway and continued east on 6th Street towards a group of pedestrians. At this point, the officers deployed an additional 40mm Less-Lethal-Launcher. Despite these efforts, Callier was still armed with the knife and charged at one of the officers, leading to an Officer-Involved Shooting. As a result, Callier was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground. He was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.
Following the shooting, Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics arrived at the scene and transported Callier by rescue ambulance to a local hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition. Fortunately, no officers or other community members were injured as a result of the incident.
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A kitchen-style knife with a five-inch serrated blade was recovered at the scene and booked as evidence. The Force Investigation Division (FID) has taken over the case and is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
This incident has raised important questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers and has sparked conversations about the potential effectiveness of less-lethal weapons in situations involving armed suspects. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the need for law enforcement agencies to explore alternative methods of de-escalation and to minimize the use of lethal force whenever possible.
It is crucial for police departments to continually assess and update their training and protocols to ensure that officers are equipped with the necessary tools and techniques to effectively manage high-pressure situations while prioritizing the safety of all individuals involved.
Additionally, incidents such as this serve as a reminder of the challenging and often dangerous nature of law enforcement work. Officers are frequently faced with split-second decisions that can have life-altering consequences. As a community, it is essential to support law enforcement agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and public safety while also holding them accountable for their actions.
The investigation into the Officer-Involved Shooting in Central Division is ongoing, and the LAPD is committed to providing transparency and accountability throughout the process. As more information becomes available, it is important for the public to remain engaged and informed about the details of the incident and the steps being taken to address it.
As we await the findings of the investigation, it is crucial to approach discussions about this incident with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to constructive dialogue. By fostering open and honest communication, we can work towards finding meaningful solutions that prioritize the well-being and safety of all members of our community.
