LA Police Chase Ends in Gunfire

On January 19, 2024, at 12:14 p.m., Olympic Division uniformed patrol officers conducted a want/warrant check on a white Dodge pickup truck. The inquiry revealed that the vehicle was reported stolen earlier that day and that the victim had left a firearm inside the truck. Once officers obtained an additional unit, and an Air Unit was overhead, they attempted to conduct a High-Risk stop on the vehicle. The driver, later identified as 32-year-old Mario Alvarenga, failed to yield and accelerated away.

Officers initiated a vehicle pursuit which was eventually taken over by Southwest Division uniformed patrol officers. Alvaranga continued into Newton Division and eventually collided with a parked vehicle at 12th Street and Paloma Street. Alvaranga exited the vehicle and ran into an occupied shipping facility, located on the 1100 block of East Pico Boulevard. Officers followed Alvaranga into the open business, and while inside, Alvaranga stopped and faced the officers. Alvaranga removed a handgun from his clothing and racked the slide in front of officers, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. Alvaranga was struck by gunfire, fell to the ground, and was taken into custody.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported Alvaranga to a local hospital where he was admitted for gunshot wounds. He is listed in critical, but stable condition. No officers or other community members were injured as a result of this incident.

A Sig Sauer, Model P365ss 9mm handgun, which was registered to the victim, was recovered from the scene and booked as evidence. The firearm was not loaded and its 12 round magazine was empty.