Winnetka, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, CA, December 17, 2025
Early in the morning on December 16, the LAPD responded to reports of a burglary in progress in Winnetka. Officers confronted a suspect armed with a metal pole. After attempts to de-escalate the situation failed, an officer discharged their firearm, injuring the suspect. Fortunately, no officers or bystanders were harmed. The incident is currently under investigation by LAPD’s Force Investigation Division.
Los Angeles Police Shoot Suspect Armed with Bat Attempting Home Break-In in San Fernando Valley
Los Angeles, CA – On December 16, 2025, early in the morning hours, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to urgent calls reporting a burglary in progress at an apartment complex located at 20300 block of Saticoy Street, near Oso Avenue, in the Winnetka area of the San Fernando Valley. With multiple reports indicating that a suspect was trying to break into a residence while the occupants were present, the situation quickly escalated into a critical encounter between law enforcement and an armed individual.
Upon their arrival, officers confronted a man who was wielding a metal pole. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation through verbal commands to drop the weapon, the suspect refused to comply. Consequently, officers attempted to subdue him with a Taser, but due to the layers of clothing he was wearing, the device was ineffective. As the threat to public safety persisted, at least one officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect in the forearm. The suspect has since been transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in serious condition. Fortunately, no officers or bystanders were harmed during this encounter. The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is currently examining the circumstances surrounding the use of force in this incident.
Background on Recent Incidents in the San Fernando Valley
This incident is not isolated, but part of a broader pattern of confrontations in the San Fernando Valley where law enforcement has faced individuals armed with weapons. For example, in July 2025, LAPD officers shot a suspect in Northridge who allegedly aimed a handgun at them during a foot pursuit. Another incident occurred in December 2025 when officers fatally shot a suspect in Pacoima who was reportedly waving a gun at the public and had attempted a carjacking. Such confrontations spotlight the relentless challenges and risks that law enforcement faces in safeguarding communities against armed threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the incident in Winnetka?
On December 16, 2025, LAPD officers responded to reports of a burglary in progress at an apartment complex in the 20300 block of Saticoy Street. Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered a man armed with a metal pole. The suspect did not comply with commands to drop his weapon, and when a Taser failed due to his clothing, at least one officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect in the forearm. The suspect was taken to a hospital in serious condition, while no officers or bystanders were injured. An investigation into the use of force is ongoing.
Have there been similar incidents in the San Fernando Valley recently?
Yes, this incident is part of several recent altercations involving armed individuals and law enforcement in the San Fernando Valley. Instances include a shooting in Northridge in July 2025, where officers fired upon a suspect wielding a handgun, and a December 2025 encounter in Pacoima that resulted in the fatal shooting of a suspect attempting a carjacking.
What is the LAPD’s protocol when encountering armed suspects?
The LAPD adheres to strict protocols when dealing with armed suspects. These procedures entail issuing clear commands to drop weapons, employing less-lethal options such as Tasers, and, if necessary, using lethal force as a last resort to safeguard officers and the public. Every such use of force is meticulously reviewed to ensure adherence to departmental policies.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 20300 block of Saticoy Street, near Oso Avenue, Winnetka, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date and Time | December 16, 2025, approximately 2:10 a.m. |
| Suspect’s Actions | Attempted to break into a residence while occupants were present; armed with a metal pole |
| Law Enforcement Response | Issued commands to drop the weapon; deployed Taser (ineffective); discharged firearm, striking suspect in forearm |
| Outcome | Suspect transported to hospital in serious condition; no officers or bystanders injured |
| Investigation | LAPD’s Force Investigation Division conducting a thorough investigation into the use of force |
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