Luis Ramirez, 38

Encino, California
July 25, 2014

Agencies: Los Angeles Police Department California LAPD

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

Luis Ramirez, a 38-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed by a Los Angeles police officer on Friday, July 25, in Lake Balboa, according to authorities.

Patrol officers were called to the 6700 block of Hayvenhurst Avenue about 3:30 a.m. after getting a report that a vandal was in the area, LAPD officials said.

The department issued a release three days later: "When the officers arrived they saw the suspect (later identified as Luis Ramirez) standing in the front yard of a residence holding 2 sticks and screaming. The officers contacted Ramirez, who immediately began throwing rocks at the officers.   One officer ordered Ramirez to drop the sticks and raise his hands.  Ramirez refused to follow orders, so the officer activated their TASER.  A second officer who was armed with a beanbag shotgun observed Ramirez advance toward the first officer at which time the officer shot Ramirez with beanbag shotgun to stop his advance.  A third officer observed Ramirez lunging at the first officer at which time the officer involved shooting occurred."

On Aug.6, the LAPD identified the officer who shot Ramirez as Joshue Towe. No officers were injured in the incident, according to the release.

Legal Action

March 2017 Jury awards family $2million