Felony Assault Suspect Charges Officers

Los Angeles:  An officer was injured during a struggle with a mentally ill person.

On February 4, 2008, just before 10:00 a.m., Mission Area Police Officer Dennis Orris and his partner responded to a “Male Mental Suspect” call at the Federal Express building located at 16633 Shoenborn Street in North Hills.  Upon their arrival, the officers observed a Hispanic man who matched the description inside the service area.  The suspect was agitated and screaming incoherently.  The officers tried to control the suspect verbally but he ignored the officer’s commands.  Suddenly and without provocation, the suspect charged the officers and struck Officer Orris.  Both officers took the suspect to the ground and a struggle began.   

The suspect continued to resist, causing Officer Orris to use two Direct Stun Taser contacts, which had no effect.  As the fight continued, Officer Orris struck the suspect in the head area with the cartridge portion of his M-26 Taser.  The officers eventually gained control of the suspect and took him into custody.

Officer Orris and the suspect received bruises and lacerations.  Both were treated at a local hospital and were released.

The suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Erik Ochoa. Ochoa was booked for Felony Battery on a Police Officer.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating.

Comments

[Charles]

OH no!!!! A headstrike! Call out the cavelry and pay all that OVERTIME money because the suspect got struck in the head which resulted in NO major injuries.

Come on this is a joke. Entire Dept is running scared and afraid to do anything about changing the perception of the Dept as being the laughing stock in the Police Community.

I heard the unfortunate incident in West Valley where Officer Simmons was killed, the dept was somewhat confused where it came in trying to figure out what to do with officers who had ONLY heard the shots fired and the tacticial incident was not over for several more hours.

FID was trying to transport officers and seperate them during the time of crises and in the heat of the incident because they HEARD THE SHOTS ONLY!

Lets get real!

[Centurion]

Orris, good thinking for using the TASER as a blunt instrument. How many Officers would of hesitated and suffered GBI or Death, fearing the critism from the Police Commission.