Los Angeles Police Officer Critically Injured in Shooting with Armed Robbery Suspect
Los Angeles: An LAPD officer was critically wounded Saturday night during a shooting with an armed robbery suspect in Southwest Los Angeles.
Based on the preliminary investigation, on June 3, 2006, around 10:30 p.m., Southwest Area Officer Kristina Ripatti and her partner, Officer Joe Meyer, were patrolling the area of La Salle and Leighton Avenues, in the Exposition Park area. A man ran directly in front of their marked patrol car, mid-block on Leighton Avenue. The officers slowed their vehicle to avoid hitting him, exited their vehicle and followed the suspect, 52-year-old James Fenton McNeal.
McNeal reached the front porch of a nearby residence, turned, pointed a gun at the officers and fired. An officer involved shooting occurred. McNeal was struck in the torso and died at the scene. Officer Ripatti was struck twice by the suspect's gunfire, and was taken by paramedics to California Hospital Medical Center, where she remains in critical but stable condition, with serious wounds.
It was later learned that the suspect had just committed a robbery at a local gas station. McNeal, a career criminal, had served multiple prison terms for a long list of violent crimes, including armed robbery and murder. He was most recently released from the Central Men's Colony, San Luis Obispo, on August 18, 2002, after serving 9 years for attempted robbery, and subsequently spent 3 years on parole, ending November 18, 2005. 
Officer Ripatti is 33 years old and has been with the Los Angeles Police Department for 10 years. She is married to LAPD Police Officer Tim Pearce, also a 10-year veteran of the department, a classmate and former partner of Officer Ripatti. He is among the officers who responded to the shooting scene. They have a 15-month-old daughter.
"This occurrence is a tragic reminder of the dangers that the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department face every single day. It underscores the bravery and sacrifice they routinely exhibit in seeking to protect our citizens from criminals and enforce the rule of law in our streets," said Police Chief William J. Bratton. "Our prayers and deep concern are with Officer Ripatti and her family."
My name is Diana Garnica, I was very fortunate to recently have met officer Matthew Jacobik the day before the incident of officer Ripatti, he share what happend to his friend and I am sure that just like him officer Ripatti is an excellent and admirable person for their heroic work. I want Officer Ripatti and her family to know that they are in my daily prayers and hopes she gets well soon. I hope that my sincere prayers and small donation help her know she is thought of. Diana Garnica
Posted by: Diana Garnica from México | June 08, 2025 at 05:35 PM
God bless Kristina, Tim, and their daughter.
As an academy classmate of the dearly departed Brian Brown, I am glad to see that this killer won't waste anymore of the state of California's time or money.
Just a few random observations:
1. Good job by the current C.O.P. Bratton for publicly giving moral support and praise to Kristina, Tim and the other officers who shined that night.
2. Where oh where is our camera loving mayor? Now is the time to plant yourself in front of the news media to talk about the job the men and women in blue are doing. Is in not your style because the police actually have wide public support this time? I'm not sure but I hope you cut short the trip to the mayor's convention in Vegas to visit our wounded warrior in the hospital...
3. Where is the city council (especially ex C.O.P.Councilman Parks)? Where are their public statements regarding what our officers deal with every day and night?
Here's to all the proud and dedicated men and women of the LAPD and LAFD.....Thank you!
Posted by: 1time-onetyme | June 08, 2025 at 11:12 PM
I want to wish the best for Kristina, Tim, and their young child, I know as an officer this women has to be beyond strong. She WILL get through this. Gob bless her and her family.
As far as the man who shot her, he got what was coming to him. These people should not be on the outside of a cell. Our government needs to do something to keep these scum off the street.
Posted by: Danielle | June 08, 2025 at 11:46 PM
I played soccer with Kristina in High School. She was one of the toughest and determined people I knew. My mom was the coach of the team and still lives in Apple Valley, informed me about this accident. I now live in Austin and we see the APD go through hoops and get "investigated" regulary for similar problems. When will the media figure out that the police even protect their pathetic lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kristina and her family. I too have a daughter the same age and know that seeing her daughter will help give her the strength, courage and commitment to keep going. Kristina is just one of the heros that surround us daily.
Posted by: Chris Simpson (Norris) | June 12, 2025 at 08:21 PM
I am so glad we got another piece of TRASH off the streets.
I am sorry that it came at such a high price. I pray that Kristina heals quickly and can look past the rage she must feel and know that her suffering will somehow make a small difference. I thank her for putting her life on the line to make my life better. May god watch over you and help with a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Melissa | June 14, 2025 at 09:13 AM
I am a LAPD detective, who has extremely bothered by what happened to Ofcr. Ripatti. She did all the right things and ended up in a bad place. But after seeing her on the news yesterday and attending the fundraiser at Soutwest station today, I realize how much worse it could be.
So many people were saying it was such a sad situation, and then lightbulb came on. We are there to support her living, when we could have been attending her funeral.
I don't know Ofcr. Ripatti, but I think she is a strong woman, who will make the best recovery she can. But the bottom line is that she is here to watch her beautiful child grow up and that is the most important thing.
Posted by: GR | June 14, 2025 at 04:40 PM
On behalf of the CLU Soccer Alumni Family. We are pulling for you and we love you.
Posted by: Willie | June 15, 2025 at 05:49 PM
Years ago, I did a footbeat with Kristina during some street race put on by the city. In the few hours that I had a chance to work with her, I found her to be a genuine and likeable person. Her inner strength that I saw--I pray--will help her get through this tragic and life altering event. GET WELL KRISTINA; YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS...
Posted by: eric | June 15, 2025 at 05:59 PM
On behalf of our Family to the Ripatti/Pearce Family: We want to extend our deepest gratitude for your selfless acts to keeps our city safe. God Bless Kristina, Tim and their precious child.
Our thought and prayers are with you now and always.
Posted by: Westchester (Kentwood) Family | June 15, 2025 at 08:43 PM
As a former LAPD Officer ( 3-72) and longtime Power Plant Operator for the City of San Diego where the rank and file blue collar city employee is blamed for every municipal problem from sewer main breaks to bad weather I can only hope Officer Ripatti's biggest problem is enduring the strain of a hopefully fruitful rehabilitation and not dealing with the intransigence of the "system." Speaking from experience I wish her good luck.
Posted by: Mike Elerding | June 24, 2025 at 03:15 PM
Kristina, thank you for your service. You are a tremendous young woman with a wonderful family, and your strength and courage will carry over into the long days ahead. Please know that there are many people out here across the country praying for you and Tim, and Jordan.
Posted by: Sue Gustin | July 01, 2025 at 08:37 AM
To the surviving officer, many out here are pulling for you in ways you cannot imagine. We (I am a Fed) are honing our shooting skills as well to better take out the vermin of society who do not want to survive by doing right..and must take from others. The death of the other officer should serve as another ringing of the bell that the public is fed-up with judges, courts and DA's that let these scum go free or reduced sentence...just to turn around and do the same damn thing again. Until the public demands from those legal hemmorhoids that they provide justice, sure and swift, it will probably take a revolt to finally get the scum off the face of this earth.
Posted by: Greg O'Hara | October 17, 2024 at 02:14 PM
From one officer to another! I just heard about your story on ABC. WOW! You are an amazing person with so much courage and determination!!!!! Keep looking on the bright side and never forget what is inside of you!!
May God Bless you and your family!
Much Prayers,
Officer C. Yerkes
From the East Coast to the West Coast! :)
Posted by: Caylee | December 10, 2024 at 07:14 PM
I was watching the show on abc and it touched my heart and i hope she gets better and if someone could send me a address so i can send her a card thank you
Posted by: Patrick Coyle | December 10, 2024 at 08:21 PM
Officer Ripatti, my prayers go out to you for a full recovery. Please do not give up hope for walking again. I am currently watching your Extreme Makeover episode as I type. I am not sure if you've already recovered fully, but I hope so. There has to be a reason you lived through your ordeal.
I thank you for your dedication, bravery and hard work with LAPD.
I am glad that the suspect died on scene. Scum like that should have never been released from prison.
I am a police officer as well and hearing stories like yours raises my awareness level and makes me more cautious when I go on patrol.
God Bless You and Your Family.
Posted by: Tim | December 10, 2024 at 08:58 PM
Interesting comments, to the one blogger Scott Schorry, I hope you take a reading and comprehension course..I did not read one insulting comment about the officer shot...How sad you went on a rant for no reason. I am amazed at the complaint with the newspapers headline, not being an officer shot...it seems that LA is desensitized about this as it seems to be a regular occurrence in LA officer or citizen(good or bad).
But tonight ABC is doing a home makeover for her and family...a little to the extreme for the rest of the neighborhood, but a well deserving officer. To all the paraplegics who don't have the fortune to be blessed with ABC's extreme makeover...forge on.
Posted by: LEG | December 10, 2024 at 09:16 PM
I just saw the Extreme Makeover episode on tv tonight and this is how I "met" Kristina Ripatti and her loving husband, Tim Pearce. This story really touched my husband and me. I truly believe this couple will continue to be heroes just by loving one another and their little girl, Jordan. I am so glad that ABC and the Extreme Makeover people were able to give them this wonderful home. I realize no one can give back Kristina's legs as she once knew them. But, having this beautiful and very user-friendly home will certainly make things easier.
God bless all of you and I'll be praying that you'll build up enough strength in your body to be able to be more mobile. And, above all, that you become even stronger in your soul. I know that you definitely have the spirit for it!
Posted by: SomeoneWhoCares | December 10, 2024 at 10:38 PM
Only recently have I had the opportunity to follow Officer Ripatti's heroic story. I am humbled by her courage, not only as a fellow police officer, but as a mother. My support for Officer Ripatti and her family shall travel many miles to Los Angeles, CA from Southwest Iowa. I anxiously await the day when we are able to follow up on Officer Ripatti's recovery and see her walk. "There is little doubt in my mind that you've got it in you to walk again Kristina. They'll show you how and you'll do it and I for one can't wait to see you succeed. God Bless you Kristina."
Posted by: Shawna Becker | December 10, 2024 at 11:08 PM
i watched a very powerful show that touched me personally. i am a police officer for a municipal force in canada. watching kristina and her family on the show extreme make over home edition made me think of my own life and short our lives are. i too suffer from a chronic back injury that has resulted, so far, in two back surgeries. seeing kristina's tears of loss and frustration made me relive my own personal struggle with this injury. unless you have gone through something like this you can truly not understand.
to kristina and her family i wish to say that your will and drive and your support and love from your family will get you through all your challenges that you will face- through your frustration and self doubt- look into the eyes of your husband and daughter and find the strength.
you are an inspiration to all women in this field. your in our prayers
Posted by: maureen kerby | December 11, 2024 at 11:51 AM
I just became aware of Kristina Rapatti by watching the ABC show Extreme Makeover.
From beginning to end I never cried so much over a show in my life. My Heart goes out to her and her family.
That show inspired me so much about how much something can change in a split second.
Kristina I just want you to know how much you matter and all the police officers mean to all of us.
Your story on ABC on Dec 11,2024 with extreme makeover touched me in so many ways. I cried through the whole show. I hope you get full recovery from your injuries.
Keep your chin up and dont let this beat you down. YOU GO GIRL!!!
By the way your new home is gorgeous and I just loved the track they put in for you so you can move through out your home and enjoy the time with your family.
Im praying for you and your family.
Brenda S. from Michigan
Posted by: Brenda Snider | December 11, 2024 at 12:26 PM
I watched the episode last night and cried throughout the entire show. Kristina and her husband are truly amazing people....as is all the other people who came to help this family.
I'm also thankful that the scum that did this to her is dead! He should have never been allowed to walk the streets.
Keep the faith Kristina, you WILL walk again.
Posted by: Donna | December 11, 2024 at 01:07 PM
I work for LVF/R. We have a Firefighter that was injured and he watched the show. So many similarites as far as injuries and he also has a young daughter. He would love to get in touch with Kristina. He was facinated by the work on her home. Does she have a website or address she is willing to share. Thank you
Posted by: Brenda Donoho | December 12, 2024 at 10:10 AM
Many of you have inquired about getting in touch with Officer Ripatti. You can write to her and forward the letter to:
C/O Officer K. Ripatti
Southwest Community Police Station
1546 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90062
Posted by: Lt. De La Torre | December 12, 2024 at 10:45 AM
There is no doubt in my mind that you will walk again. A neighbor of mine has a granddaughter with Angel Syndrome. A disease that has no hope for recovery and gives zero possibility of walking. I told my neighbor that I knew in my heart that she would someday walk. My neighbor said there was no way. This was two years ago and I am happy to say that she is now walking. I know you will walk again some day soon. Best wishes...
Posted by: Silvia Sanchez | December 15, 2024 at 08:50 PM
WERE IT NOT FOR THAT "THIN BLUE LINE" THE HIGHWAYS, AND BYWAYS OF THESE UNITED STATES WOULD BE IN A CONDITION OF ANARCHY, WHEREIN NO LAW ABIDING CITIZEN WOULD BE SAFE!
Posted by: ROBERT | December 24, 2024 at 10:48 PM