Cypress Park officer-involved shooting

Cypress Park: Edwin Arevalo, 25, a Latino man, was shot in an officer-involved shooting at 3411 Loosmore St. at about 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29. Arevalo was transported to County-USC hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:56 p.m. A handgun was recovered, said Officer Norma Eisenman of LAPD's media relations office. The shooting involved officers from LAPD's Metropolitan Division, a squad that is assigned to tasks throughout the city.  HR is seeking further information about the shooting.

Comments

[Ben]

I"m a former resident of Cypress Park...since I can remember gang violence has been going on since the 70's it calms down for a while but then it escalates again. I've read about how we can stop gang violence by exposing teenagers to culture and education and others feel civil rights leaders and politicians need to get involved...these are all good things but these are only "bandages" to the problem. The core problem of all these incidents is "SIN" The only solution to mankind's depravity is coming to know Jesus Christ. I'm an example of growing up in this neighborhood and going through all the madness but one day coming to know I was a sinner in need of a Saviour my Lord Jesus. My life has been radically changed I am now an Evangelist in the state of Texas and I travel the prisons to preach the gospel to men who are lost and without hope. I challenge every christian who reads this to pray for Los Angeles..pray for revival to spread throughout this great city.

[Cesar Serrano]

Who is to blame for a young man carrying a gun in a neighborhood. Am I missing something. If he was carrying a gun, then shame on him. First of all LAPD Metro Officer's are a little reckless. I used to work with a Police Agency and I have alway's heard of them being like a death squad. They shoot now and ask questions later. Look at Macarthur Park. The Matro Squad is essentially the SWAT Team. They are considered to be the best in Los Angeles. I don't know many details of the shooting. But it sounds like they did not identify themselves quickly enough to let him know they were the Police. Whether they did or not is in dispute. Who's word do you think they are gonna take. His friend! He was a gangster running from them. Let's be realistic. I understand the situation they were in. Split decision making. Is it gonna be his life or my mine. I think the LAPD needs to check a little better at what there so called elite Metro Squad is up too. I am afraid of them and I am starting to lose my Respect for the Police. SOrry, time are changing
1.Suspect or (Victim) should not be carrying a gun.
2. LAPD needs to train it's Officer a little better

[TF]

Esfuerzo, Do you know that perhaps the LAPD was protecting the community that day? Did you forget that that young man had a GUN??? Its amazing that I grew up in Highland Park , and I NEVER walked the streets with a handgun; therefore I NEVER had a confrontation with an LAPD officer! Oh wait, thats called common sense! People make terrible choices every day and if one choices to carry a firearm or join a gang, there is often a severe price to pay. Blame the person who made those choices not the LAPD.

[Freedom Fighter]

Really? Is this what makes our streets safer? Gunning down young men BEFORE they show any weapon to us? Just because they are running? Wow...I'm frightened now to run down a street...a cop might shoot me in the back. Oh wait, but I'm white and a woman...never mind! I'm safe, then! Is this what protects our freedom? I don't think so! tragic...if Edwin Arevalo was one of my students, I would be at city hall right now filing complaint after complaint on his behalf...I hope his family and friends will fight!

[ESFUERZO]

A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THIS INCIDENT IS NEEDED BEFORE IT FADES AWAY AS A MERE GANG RELATED SHOOTING. WHY DIDN'T METRO PD OFFICERS IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS WITNESSES CLAIM? WAS A HANDGUN REALLY RECOVERED AT THE SCENE? THE LAPD SHOULD BE IN PLACE TO PROTECT LAW ABIDING CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY AND TO HELP STOP THE SENSELESS KILLING, BUT AS USUAL THEY MEET OUR EXPECTATIONS AND ADD YET ANOTHER STATISTIC TO THE LIST. ITS FUNNY HOW WHEN THERES A CALL INVOLVING SHOT FIRED IT TAKES THE POLICE A WHILE TO GET HERE, BUT WHEN IT INVOLVED 1 OF THERE OWN THEY WERE HERE IN THE BLINK OF ANY EYE...WITH 2 HELICOPTERS AND A SMALL ARMY THAT LITERALLY CAME OUT OF THE WOODWORK.

[Esfuerzo]

It's sad to witness so much senseless violence in our neighborhood. What's worse is that everyone is so quick to point the finger and blame someone else. We as parents, as members of the community need to come together and find real solutions to this dilema. I know Cypress Park is a working class community and we all work to provide for our family, but that's not enough. We need to get involved in the lives of our children, and help to improve the quality of life in our neighborhood. Instill good values in our kids and encourage them to stay in school. We also need to put the pressure on City Hall & LAPD to help bring about change to Cypress Park and surrounding communities through positive resources and not more bloodshed. How many more will we have to bury before we see an end to all this madness.

[Jim]

I've been following the tragic violence that has occurred in the northeast area, being that i live in S. Pasadena im a bit concerned. I am saddened by all the recent shootings involving police , especially when they shoot at suspects without identifying themselves first. "Where are you from?" suspect who just had his buddy riddled with 17 BULLETS a week earlier is probably thinking "this is it" NEVER knowing the perps who asked him that doomed question was an LAPD officer and not an Avenues member...BANG... Hope this helps....

[Jim]

I've been following the tragic violence that has occurred in the northeast area, being that i live in S. Pasadena im a bit concerned. I am saddened by all the recent shootings involving police , especially when they shoot at suspects without identifying themselves first. "Where are you from?" suspect who just had his buddy riddled with 17 BULLETS a week earlier is probably thinking "this is it" NEVER knowing the perps who asked him that doomed question was an LAPD officer and not an Avenues member...BANG... Hope this helps....

[Cypress Park Teen]

I have a few friends in the "cypress park" gang and its sad to say I'm waiting for the call that something happened to them. No I'm not a gangster / troubled youth. I stray away from that stuff as much as I can. Its sad that Cypress Park has become even more violent these last couple weeks. Yeah you would occasionally hear a helicopter or a cop car speed by but now its gotten to the point where every week somethings happening and I dont even feel safe walking to the store. I'm sure you might think I dress like a gangster which is why I dont feel safe but I'm far from hat. I'm a typical "rocker" kid. I would never dream that I'd have a gun pulled on me. A few months ago my friends and I we're having a small birthday party at one of my friends house and we were outside when a van pulls up and asked us where we were from. I was mind boggled. A group of 4 "rocker" kids standing in the yard and being questioned for being in a gang? Well needless to say they opened fire and shot one of my friends. This happened on the corner of Merced and Aragon. My friend survived but still no one is safe anymore. This is ridiculous. I've known the "youngsters" who have become members of the Cypress Park gang since I was little so I'm never worried that somethings going to happen to me from the cypress park gang. I've also had an older brother who was in the gang and knew the man who was shot on the corner of aragon and roseview a few weeks ago. Anyways it just doesn't feel safe anymore, this is ridiculous and has to stop. I understand Edwin was running not knowing it was police who pulled up. I've done the same. I've had the feeling to turn around and run when a car pulls up driving real slow but the fact that he had a gun was his mistake. I think I've written enough. I just think this has to be stopped and dealt with.

[CYPRESS PARK CITIZEN.]

I call it murder!

[SAMMIE]

WOW I GREW UP IN CYPRESS PARK AND I HAVE ALOT OF MY FRIENDS GET KILLED DUE TO THE GANG VIOLENCE I TO WAS SHOT AT NOT ONLY ONCE BUT I STRAIGHTED OUT MY LIFE AS MANY OF YOU ALL WHO WERE GANG MEMBERS HAVE. BUT KNOW THAT ITS THE WAY YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE THAT CAUSES MORE PAIN. WE NEED TO EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN AND TEACH THEM MAKE THEM AWARE OF USING THEIR RIGHTS TO PROTEST AGAINST POLICE VIOLENCE GET THEM INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE BRINGIN OUT THEIR GIFTS ART, MUSIC,POETRY, WHAT EVER GIFT THEY HAVE WE AS PARENTS AND CITIZENS NEED TO GET THE NEIGHBOR HOOD TOGETHER HELP EACH OTHER WHEN YOU SEE THAT LITTLE BOY NOW GROWING UP IN THE STREETS AND BEGINING TO BECOME A CHOLO WE NEED TO STEP IN AND TALK AND SHOW THEM THAT WE CARE FOR THEM AND SHOW THEM THAT THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN EASY MONEY BY SELLING DRUGS, ROBBING, RAPING, KILLING WE NEED TO CARE ITS TIME TO UNITE AND PUT A STOP TO THIS BUT I WANT TO SAY THIS TO ALL THOSE MOMS /DADS WHO ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO BE BAD ASSES YOU SHOW THEM TO DEAL DRUGS AND YOU ENCOURAGE THEM INTO YOUR WAYS YOU WILL REEP WHAT YOU SOW YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT CHILD HE KNOWS NO BETTER GET OFF WELFARE, GET A JOB, AN EDUCATION AND BEGIN TO REALLY LIVE THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN BEING IN THE VARRIO MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE GUYS CHILDREN WIFE AND PARENTS I DONT KNOW IF I KNOW HIM I MIGHT BUT I HAVE LOSS ALOT OF DEAR LOVED ONES TO THIS GANG VIOLENCE UNITE UNITE UNITE ITS TIME TO TAKE BACK THE STREETS OF CYPRESS PARK....

[buz]

I have never run from the police or disobeyed a request from an officer when I have been pulled over. I also have never pointed a gun or knife at an officer. Maybe you should follow my lead.

[NELA resident]

the 3rd homicide in Cypress Park in 3 weeks...

[WITNESS]

Let the truth be known! Carlos May have ran but never pointed gun at officers. Under cover Metro PD never identified there selfs as PD. I beliave there should be a investigation before you guys start judging him bad!

[Confused & Concerned]

So here's the real story. I knew the individual who was with Carlos before he was shot and killed. The police pulled up in an unmarked car, lights off. They thought it was a drive by and this is why they both ran. Carlos was running for his life just before it was taken from him. Did he really have a gun? He was shot in the back. Does that sound like an attack to you? Was he running at the officer or away from the officer? Questions that need to be answered before we judge. The individual who was with Carlos was arrested for obstructing justice. Justice??? I'm assuming because he was also running for his life or was it because he was shouting at the police for them to help his friend! Is that an obstruction of justice? Carlos, his family and friends are victims of circumstance!

[David]

Shouldn't be running around with a gun, pointing it at police officers regardless of race or community.

[BruceWilson]

I live in Atlant,Ga...I ck out this site out of some macabre fascination..I think you know what I mean.. I am amazed that our culture hasn't been more outraged at what goes on in your community..If someone is shot here..which happens quite a bit..there are marches and investigations..and civil rights leaders on the news..we dont have the gangs you all have..IS THAT YOUR REASON...you all should have Gov Arnold bring in the NATIONAL GUARD..I love CA and dont go in these areas...but I would think you all would be more outraged Bruce in Atlanta

[James]

I dont see how you can blame the police if the guy had a gun then he made his choice and got whatwas coming to him.

[Joe]

I knew Carlos very well and I will miss him dearly. He was a great father to his son, who is now left to fend for himself in this world. He was an "A" student at L.A. Trade Tech and a dedicated worker for his employee. He was so proud of his academic work - he emailed me a copy of his report card and I called him a "nerd." I last spoke with him two days before his tragic death and he was happy and content. He was getting on with his life, he didn't deserve this. I just wanted everyone to know that I knew Carlos as a caring and loving young man - and my heart hurts because of his death.

[Confused...]

CP citizen I think you missed the part that they recovered a gun from him..... I'm not congratulating the officers actions but what are you going to say if it was the other way around?????

[TF]

Are you serious "Cypress Park Citizen"? Another armed youth that gets shot by the police, and its the LAPD"S fault? Why not place the blame where it belongs? THE ARMED FOOL!!!!!

[former cypress park citizen]

The officer involved shooting occured when the suspect turned on officers while holding a loaded handgun. Thats not murder, thats self defense. When a suspect turns with a loaded weapon in has hand there is no time to ask him questions. Instead of questioning the police officers actions why don't you question as to why the suspect was carrying a gun. The nucleus of the dilemma does not neccessarily lie only on Drew street, but within the entire Northeast Area.

[Cypress Park Citizen]

And yet, we have another murdered young Hispanic man in our already grieving community. Thanks for your once again under achieving work Northeast LAPD! Again you live up to your motto. "shoot first, and ask questions laters" And then after, you ask for identification. Great work guys. Again forgetting where the nucleus of the dilemma lies: Drew Street!