Jesse Moore, 56

Jesse Moore, 56, a black man, was shot and killed by police officers at  Central Avenue and Wilde Street about 10:20 p.m. in Downtown Los Angeles Thursday, July 31.

Below, the Los Angeles Police Department's press statement regarding the shooting:

"Suspect being investigated for a narcotics violation attacked officers with a knife.

On Thursday, July 31, 2008, uniformed officers assigned to Central Bureau Safer City Detail were patrolling in the area of Central Avenue and Wilde Street. At about 10:20 p.m., the officers saw a narcotics suspect that had concealed himself in a tent on the sidewalk.  As the officers approached the suspect to conduct their interview, the suspect lunged at one of the officers with a knife. Officers, Brian Indreland and Thomas Denton fired their handguns at the suspect in defense of their lives.

The suspect, identified as Jesse Moore, 56, was struck by the gunfire and was taken into custody.

Moore was taken to a local hospital for treatment where he died. 

Officer Brian Indreland has been with the Department for 3 years and 10 months and Officer Thomas Denton has 2 years and 3 months of service.

Neither officer was injured during the incident.

Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation."