Violent Struggle Lead to Officer Involved Shooting

Los Angeles: An officer shot and killed a violent man during a struggle when the man choked out her partner.

On Thursday night, August 9, 2007, at around 8:45 PM, Hollenbeck Area patrol officers Jeanette Flores and her partner responded to a directed call for service regarding domestic violence at 5243 Huntington Drive in El Sereno.

Upon arrival, the officers met with a pregnant woman and established that she was the victim of a spousal battery and the suspect had fled the scene.  While conducting the investigation, the suspect, John Anthony Rico, 30, returned to the scene and a violent struggle ensued involving the officers and the suspect.  During the altercation, Rico applied a chokehold to Officer Flores’ partner and he was incapacitated and unable to defend himself.  An officer-involved shooting occurred in which Officer Flores fired one round from her service pistol at the suspect.  Rico received a single gunshot wound to the head.

Rico was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Flores’ partner received a head injury and was taken to the Los Angeles County USC Medical Center where he was treated and released. Officer Flores received an injury to her right hand and was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where she was treated and released.

Officer Flores is 32 years of age.  She has been with the Department for 8 years and 10 months.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the shooting.

Comments

[Det. Lew Parker]

Darn Good Shooting

I have been on the job for over 32 years and learned that no officer wants to use deadly force unless absolutely necessary, regardless of what some yahoos say. Additonally, I have seen instances of extreme reluctance to use such force, which resulted in the further injury of a victim and the death of a police officer. However, Officer Flores demonstrated the presence of mind to use deadly force to protect the life of her partner and probably saved her own life. If the suspect had been able to get her partner’s pistol, he would have used it against her. With the adrenaline rush affecting her judgment and reactions, Flores managed to function positively during a time of extreme stress.

Personally, I would want Officer Flores at my side when a routine call suddenly turned into unexpected terror. She did what she had to do – immediately - without second-guessing her actions. If she does not earn official recognition for her actions under stress, I would be disappointed.

Det. Lew Parker
Hollenbeck

[Jim Reed]

Well said. I only hope that those in the building really understand what she went through. She did her job as she was trained. Period. No second guessing allowed.

Stand proud as you performed exceptionally well under the ultimate amount of stress.

[Loves LA LEOs]

Det Parker,
This is a nice post; if I were Ofcr Flores, it would have more meaning than the forthcoming commendation.
I saw that hesitancy to react you spoke of, by an officer in a different agency. That was before I learned about something called "suicide by suspect". Of course, everyone wants a partner like Ofcr Flores. If I were to hazard a guess, she is probably fun to be around, energetic, has a sense of humor, and lives a full and happy life outside her work. I've been looking for the secret of police wellness, and I sense it is related to having a ganas for living life as it comes, and to balance. I would be grateful for insights about this.
Lew, are you related to Chief Parker?

[Darius]

Yes you are all correct. Jeanette did an amazing job and reacted just as we all hope our partners would in such dire circumstances.

I have personally worked a patrol car with her and can say firsthand that her ability to react came as no surprise to me. She is a cood cop and a wonderful person.

[Reggie]

I thought cops were trained to shot at the large center part of the body i.e. the chest. But I read this person was killed by a shot to the head. You would have to be standing very close for a head shot.

[lapdreservecop]

Reggie.
You are correct but Ofcr.Flores partner was being choked out by the susp. A well placed head shot was the only option to stop the threat and save a life.

[Ed O'Shea]

Wow, look at the big brain on Reggie ! Yes it's called a contact shot, your muzzle makes contact with the suspects head and you stop all the suspects actions with one well placed round! Any additional questions?

Front Site Presssss and Stay Safe Warriors!

[Edgar Friendly]

Reggie...think about it...if the suspect had the officer in a chokehold, what are the chances that the officer was covering the "large center part" of the suspect's chest? So tell me, where else was she supposed to shoot this guy?

[Bo Knows Po-Po]

When somebody is choking your partner out, and you have to shoot, it's pretty hard to shoot the suspect in the body without hitting your partner. Good shot! And the police are trained in head shots as well.

[Officer of San Bernardino P.D.]

Wow, sounds like this officer did a great job. It's funny when people who never put on a badge and sam browne want to question an officers discretion to shoot or dont shoot.