Burglary Suspect Shot After Charging Officers with Knife During Standoff

On July 29, 2024, around 3:20 a.m., West Los Angeles Division uniformed officers responded to a radio call of a Burglary Suspect in the 2600 block of South Halm Avenue. When the officers arrived, they met with the person who had called the police and were told the suspect, later identified as Lavell Adams, attempted to break into his home before breaking his elderly neighbor’s window and entering her residence, causing her to flee. Shortly thereafter, the woman’s house was set on fire.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and also observed Adams inside the residence. While inside the residence, officers attempted to take Adams into custody; however, Adams was armed with a knife and lunged toward officers, resulting in one officer deploying two Beanbag shotgun rounds towards Adams, who then barricaded himself inside the residence while still armed with the knife.

Metropolitan Division Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) responded and were establishing containment when Adams exited the residence through a side window covered with a blanket. Special Weapons and Tactics officers gave multiple commands for Adams to show his hands, drop the blanket, and comply with their directions. Multiple warnings related to force being used were also verbalized to Adams. Adams did not comply; instead, he lifted his right arm, holding a large butcher knife, and charged the officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting with the simultaneous deployment of a TASER. The suspect was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground, dropping the knife.

Los Angeles Fire Department Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) unit immediately assessed Adams, who was determined to be deceased. No officers or other community members were injured due to this incident.

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