An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot an armed man late on New Year’s Eve outside an apartment complex in the Northridge area of Los Angeles after responding to what sounded like nearby gunfire. Authorities said the officer encountered the man during a brief confrontation and was not injured. Federal and local agencies are investigating the incident, and officials have stated there was no known connection between the two individuals.
What Happened Outside the Los Angeles Apartment Complex
The shooting took place around 10:45 p.m. local time on New Year’s Eve. At that time, the off-duty officer was inside his apartment when he heard sounds that he believed were gunshots. As the noise continued and became louder, the officer decided to step outside to see what was going on.
The officer was carrying a firearm that he was authorized to use as part of his role in federal law enforcement. According to officials, as the officer moved through the apartment complex, he came across a man who appeared to be holding a long firearm, which looked like a rifle.
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The encounter happened quickly. The officer identified himself as law enforcement and gave clear commands to the man, telling him to put the weapon down. Authorities say the man did not follow these commands. Instead, the man allegedly pointed the firearm toward the officer.
At that moment, the situation escalated. Officials say the officer fired his weapon in what was described as a defensive action. The goal, according to authorities, was to protect himself after facing what he believed was an immediate threat.
The man reportedly fired multiple rounds during the encounter. Despite the exchange of gunfire, the officer was not hit. The wounded man remained at the scene.
Police Response and Actions After the Shooting
After the shooting, the officer went back into his apartment. Authorities explained that he did this to retrieve body armor that is issued for protection, especially against high-powered weapons. Once he had the protective gear, the officer contacted the Los Angeles Police Department to report the incident.
LAPD officers arrived at the apartment complex shortly afterward. When they reached the scene, they found the man who had been shot. Emergency responders declared the man dead at the location. No other injuries were reported.
Police secured the area as part of their standard procedure following a shooting. Neighbors in the apartment complex reported seeing flashing lights and hearing sirens as officers worked late into the night. Some residents said they were confused and frightened by the sudden police presence so close to the New Year celebrations.
Authorities have stated that there was no indication of a prior dispute or relationship between the officer and the man who was killed. Investigators believe the two individuals did not know each other before the encounter.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that it responded to reports of shots fired involving a federal agent. However, police have not released further details, saying the investigation is ongoing.
Investigation and What Authorities Have Confirmed
The shooting is under review by several agencies to ensure the investigation is thorough and transparent. ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility is working closely with local police to examine the actions of the off-duty officer and confirm whether all rules and procedures were followed during the incident.
Investigators are focusing on key details, including the timeline of events, the type of weapon the man was carrying, and how both individuals acted during the encounter. Authorities are also reviewing evidence from the scene, such as physical findings and any available surveillance footage from the apartment complex.
Officials have confirmed that the officer was off duty at the time but was authorized to carry his firearm. They also stated that the officer identified himself as law enforcement before the shooting occurred. The officer was not injured during the incident.
At this stage, authorities have not shared information about why the man was carrying a firearm or what he was doing at the apartment complex before the confrontation. It has also not been disclosed whether the weapon was legally owned.
The identities of both the officer and the man who was killed have not been released. This is standard practice while investigations are ongoing, especially in cases involving federal and local agencies.
Residents in the Northridge neighborhood have voiced concern following the shooting. Many said they were shocked that such an incident happened in a residential area on New Year’s Eve. Police have not issued any public safety alerts related to the case as the investigation continues.