Bodycam Shows LAPD Officer Shoot Armed Suspect After Short Foot Chase

 

On the evening of July 26, 2019, at approximately 9:40 p.m., uniformed officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Gang Enforcement Detail, assigned to the 77th Division, were conducting extra patrol duties in the area of 47th Street and Budlong Avenue. The officers were specifically performing gang suppression efforts in and around Vermont Square Park, a location known for gang-related activity. These proactive patrols are a routine part of LAPD’s efforts to reduce violence and maintain safety in neighborhoods experiencing high crime rates.

While conducting a foot patrol through the park, the officers observed a male individual who caught their attention due to his suspicious behavior. The man, later identified as 39-year-old Jarron Edmond, appeared startled upon noticing the officers and suddenly fled the area on foot. His behavior immediately raised concerns, particularly because he appeared to be clutching an object at his waist—suggesting he might be armed. Recognizing the potential threat, the officers began to pursue Edmond on foot through the park and into the nearby residential area.

As the chase continued, Edmond ran into the courtyard of an apartment building located on the 4700 block of South Budlong Avenue. The officers followed closely behind, maintaining visual contact. It was in this courtyard that Edmond reportedly produced a handgun, escalating the situation into a direct and immediate threat to the officers’ safety. At that point, an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) occurred. During the exchange, Edmond was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground. The officers quickly moved in and were able to take him into custody without further resistance.

Following the shooting, officers immediately requested medical assistance. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics arrived promptly at the scene and began treating Edmond for his injuries. He was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he received further medical treatment. According to officials, Edmond was listed in stable condition and remained under medical supervision.

At the scene, investigators recovered a .38 caliber handgun lying on the ground next to Edmond. The firearm was seized and booked as evidence in connection with the incident. The recovery of the weapon confirmed the officers’ observations that the suspect was indeed armed during the pursuit and confrontation. No additional weapons were reported at the scene.

Fortunately, no officers were injured during the incident. Additionally, there were no reports of harm to any bystanders, which is notable given the residential location of the shooting. The officers’ actions in maintaining control of the scene and ensuring public safety played a crucial role in minimizing further risks.

As with all officer-involved shootings, the LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded immediately to the location. FID investigators began the process of conducting a thorough and impartial investigation. Their duties included interviewing witnesses, collecting forensic evidence, and reviewing body-worn camera footage (if available) to determine the exact circumstances that led to the use of deadly force.

Additionally, a representative from the Office of the Inspector General was present at the scene to monitor the investigation and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process. This is standard procedure in any critical use-of-force incident and serves to reinforce public trust in the investigative process.

This incident underscores the dangers that officers may encounter during gang suppression operations and highlights the split-second decisions they must make in the face of potentially life-threatening situations. The investigation into the incident remained ongoing, with findings to be reviewed by the department and oversight bodies to determine whether the use of force was consistent with department policies and legal standards.