HOLLYWOOD—Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating an incident that resulted in an officer-involved shooting that took place on August 2 at approximately 1:15 a.m. at a business on the 5400 block of West Sunset Boulevard.
Hollywood Patrol Division Police Officers Eui Joung and Raina Foster responded to a radio call regarding a business dispute that turned violent with a suspect who placed one officer in a choke hold and attempted to disarm another officer. According to the LAPD blog, officers met with the manager at the business and were notified the suspect, Daniel Mast, 29, was trying to use a fraudulent check to purchase items. Officers intended to handcuff Mast near the cash registers, but he turned and charged and the officers fell to the floor.
During the altercation, the suspect struck Officer Joung several times near the face and head causing confusion for the officer. He continued fighting with Officer Joung, who fearing for his life, armed himself with his weapon and fired twice at the suspect. Mast was struck at least once, and turned his attention to Officer Foster by placing her in a choke hold by wrapping his right arm around her throat, and threatening to kill her.
After Officer Foster broke free from the suspect’s grip, Mast grabbed Officer Joung’s handgun, which was unholstered and a struggle ensued for control of the weapon. Officer Foster fired a shot at the suspect as he struggled with Officer Joung, hitting him in the right leg.
The suspect continued to behave combatively with officers. Additional patrol officers arrived on the scene and utilized a TASER to take Mast into custody.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene to provide medical treatment. Mast was transported to a local hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to his right leg and a graze wound to his left torso. Officer Juong was transported to a local hospital and treated for a fractured left orbital, concussion and laceration above his left eyebrow. Officer Foster received medical treatment for pain and abrasions to her left knee and neck pain.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of Attempted Murder on a Police Officer, two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer and one count of Forgery against Mast.
The LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting which will be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and tactics employed by the officers complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office will also review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were violated.
The following information is based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at (213) 486-5230 during business hours; during non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). They can call anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.
