LOS ANGELES (KNX) — The Los Angeles Police Department was expected Monday to release body-camera footage and other details of a police shooting that killed a 14-year-old girl at a Burlington Coat Factory in North Hollywood.
The officer who fired the shot that killed the teen was placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues, police said.
Officers responded Thursday morning to the clothing store at 12121 Victory Blvd. for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. Responding officers found a suspect assaulting a woman inside the store, prompting at least one officer to open fire.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Daniel Elena Lopez, was killed in the shooting, and the woman he was assaulting was taken to a hospital, according to City News Service.
Police said that during a subsequent search, officers found a hole in a stretch of drywall that was in front of the officer or officers who opened fire at the suspect. Officers went behind the wall and found a 14-year-old girl, identified as Valentina Orellana-Peralta, deceased inside a dressing room, according to CNS.
The teen was reportedly shopping with her mother for a quinceanera dress, CNS reported.
“This chaotic incident resulting in the death of an innocent child is tragic and devastating for everyone involved,” said LAPD Police Chief Michael R. Moore in a statement. “I am profoundly sorry for the loss of this young girl’s life and I know there are no words that can relieve the unimaginable pain for the family. My commitment to conduct a thorough, complete and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led up to this tragedy and provide the family and public with as much information as possible.”
Moore said he directed the release of the video by Monday, which will include the 911 calls, radio transmissions, body-worn video, and any CCTV and other evidence gathered at this stage of the investigation.
The California Department of Justice is investigating the shooting along with the California Attorney General’s Office.
Moore added the LAPD Family Liaison is working closely with the mayor’s Crisis Response Team and L.A. City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez to provide assistance to the girl’s family.
Local civil rights leaders said Monday they plan to make a public call for the arrest and prosecution of the officer who fired the deadly shot.
“The slaying was unwarranted and involved the reckless use of deadly force by the LAPD,” Earl Ofari Hutchinson of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable said in a statement ahead of an afternoon news conference. “This is only the latest in a continuing series of LAPD shootings of civilians under highly dubious circumstances.''
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