HOLLYWOOD—Officials from the Los Angeles Police Department shot a man who was armed with a rifle in the region of Sunset Boulevard and Hobart Avenue on August 19. According to the LAPD Blog, citizens directed officers to Marcello Luna, who was armed with a rifle at around 1:10 a.m. Hollywood Patrol Division Police Officer Jennifer Nodes, Serial No. 38200 and her partner spotted Luna, who was walking on the sidewalk with an armed weapon with a bayonet attached to the front of the barrel.

After officers spotted Luna, a broadcast to Communications Divisions was made and back-up was requested. Hollywood Patrol Division Police Officer Jonathon Johnson, Serial No. 37836 and his partner responded to the scene and asked for back-up as well while traveling south on Hobart Avenue from Sunset Boulevard when they spotted Luna. Officers exited their black and white police vehicle where Luna pointed his weapon in their direction. During that time, Officer Johnson fired two rounds at Luna, where he was struck and fell to the ground.

Officer Nodes witnessed the suspect fall to the ground, while still holding the rifle. Luna turned to his right, and questioning if the suspect was going to shoot at Officer Johnson and his partner, Officer Nodes fired one round at the suspect. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and Luna was pronounced dead. Authorities recovered the rifle and the bayonet that was attached at the front of the barrel.

This is the 18th incident this year where a suspect was armed with a firearm or replica firearm that ended in the use of deadly force with an LAPD officer. There were 19 incidents in 2015 involving a suspect with a firearm and 6 additional incidents where the suspect used a replica firearm or pellet gun.

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 is expected to 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 during business hours at 213-486-5230; during non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Individuals can anonymously call 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or text “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or visit online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”