Officer Fires Weapon Accidentally
June 28, 2007
Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Police Department officer at the Davis Training Facility in Granada Hills accidentally fired his weapon, striking a fellow officer.
On June 25, 2007, at 4:00PM officers Peter Lee and Hector Villanueva where preparing for a training exercise involving the use of firearms. Officer Villanueva was conducting a safety check of a weapon when it accidentally fired one round, striking Officer Lee in his upper left hamstring.
Lee was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
Officer Villanueva 35, has 7 years with the Department. Officer Lee 42, has been with the Department for 15 years.
Force Investigation is handling the incident.
This news release failed to mention that there was a gun recovered from the stolen/car jacked vehicle. This vehicle was taken at gun point and for the life of me how can the Sheriffs defend cancelling the pursuit 23 seconds into it.
While I understand the issues of public liability and safety issues for the good citizens in the area, where do you draw the line on pursuits? This was an "Armed and Dangerous" car. Two young thugs in it with a gun.
It was regretable that a local citizen lost his life due to the recklessness of the two thugs. The two thugs are accountable...not the Sheriffs.
At least LAPD recognizes the seriousness of the crime and makes policy on when a pursuit can be undertaken. I wonder when this will also be taken from us.
Posted by: Jim Reed | June 28, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Does LAPD still use the term "press check"?
Oh my!
I guess that's one way to get the summer off!
I'm glad to see that the officer is okay. It could have been a whole lot worse.
Will Officer Villanueva be transferred to the DEA's DARE unit now?
Posted by: LAPDfan | June 29, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Jim Reed:
I got Season One of Adam 12 on DVD; it's great! When's Season 2 coming out?
Posted by: Marc | June 29, 2007 at 11:16 AM
Chamber check!
Posted by: Eric | July 05, 2007 at 04:07 AM