Suspect Shot and Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting After Violent East Hollywood Burglary Attempt
EAST HOLLYWOOD, CA — A burglary suspect identified as Victor Manuel Carrillo, 27, was shot and killed by police early Thursday morning following a chaotic and violent confrontation with officers and residents at an East Hollywood apartment complex.
The incident began around 4:00 a.m. when multiple 911 calls were made to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division, reporting a man actively attempting to break into apartments along the 1200 block of Alexandria Avenue.
Callers described a man behaving erratically, trying to force entry into various units of the multi-story complex. Responding officers located Carrillo near a second-floor entrance, where the situation quickly escalated.
According to an LAPD statement, Carrillo began throwing wooden lumber, ceramic pots, and other debris at the officers from his position above. Police noted that he was armed with a knife at the time and was acting aggressively. In response, officers deployed less-lethal munitions in an attempt to subdue him without deadly force.
Despite these efforts, Carrillo fled into a second-floor apartment, gaining entry through a window. Once inside, he allegedly confronted officers again, this time wielding a knife and a metal chair, police said. At this point, the officers opened fire, fatally striking Carrillo, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Community and Officer Injuries
During the altercation, one LAPD officer was struck by a piece of lumber thrown by Carrillo. The officer did not require hospitalization and declined medical treatment. Additionally, two community members suffered minor injuries as they tried to stop Carrillo from forcing his way into their apartment. One was treated by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, while the other declined further care.
Police said the knife, metal chair, and lumber Carrillo used during the incident were recovered at the scene and booked as evidence.
Ongoing Investigation
The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division and the Inspector General’s Office are now leading the investigation into the shooting, as is standard procedure for all officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles. Officials emphasized that a full review is underway, including analysis of body-worn camera footage, interviews with witnesses, and a forensic examination of the scene.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine Carrillo’s official cause of death and toxicology status.
The LAPD noted that Carrillo had been actively threatening officers and civilians and refused to comply with commands throughout the confrontation. “This was a dangerous and volatile situation that placed both officers and community members at significant risk,” said a department spokesperson. “Our officers attempted non-lethal measures before being forced to act in defense of themselves and others.”
Community Response and Context
The apartment complex, home to dozens of families and individuals, was shaken by the early morning chaos. Several residents were briefly evacuated while authorities secured the scene. One tenant described being awoken by “banging and yelling,” then seeing “officers running upstairs with weapons drawn.”
While many residents expressed relief that the threat had been neutralized, some raised concerns about the increasing frequency of violent encounters in the area.
“I’ve lived here for ten years,” said one resident, “and I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s terrifying knowing someone could break in and come at you like that. I’m grateful the police came quickly.”
Final Thoughts
This deadly incident is a stark reminder of the challenges police face in responding to volatile and unpredictable threats, especially those involving mentally unstable or violent suspects. As investigations unfold, more details will emerge about Carrillo’s background, motives, and actions in the hours leading up to his death.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional footage, information, or context about Carrillo’s behavior that night to come forward and assist with the investigation.
More updates will be provided as the LAPD and the City of Los Angeles continue their thorough review of the events.
