Northridge, California, January 2, 2026
On New Year’s Eve, an off-duty ICE officer shot a man who was allegedly firing a rifle in the air at a Northridge apartment complex. The incident escalated when the armed man pointed his weapon at the officer and refused to disarm. The officer returned fire, resulting in the suspect’s death. Both LAPD and DHS are investigating the incident as community safety and law enforcement protocols are questioned.
Northridge, California
Off-duty ICE Officer Fatally Shoots Armed Man in Northridge Apartment Complex
On New Year’s Eve, an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot a man who was allegedly firing a rifle into the air at a Northridge apartment complex. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on December 31, 2025, at the Village Pointe Apartments, located at the intersection of Roscoe Boulevard and Amestoy Avenue.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to reports of gunfire in the area. The off-duty ICE officer, who resides in the same complex, investigated the source of the gunshots. Upon encountering the armed man, the officer identified himself as law enforcement. The suspect allegedly pointed his weapon at the officer and refused to comply with commands to disarm. In response, the officer fired his service weapon, and the suspect returned fire, discharging at least three rounds. The officer then retreated to his apartment to retrieve his body armor and contacted the LAPD. When officers arrived, they found the suspect deceased at the scene. The off-duty ICE officer was unharmed. Both the LAPD and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are conducting investigations into the incident, and the identity of the deceased man has not been publicly released.
Incident Details
- Location: Village Pointe Apartments, Roscoe Boulevard and Amestoy Avenue, Northridge, California
- Date and Time: December 31, 2025, around 10:30 p.m.
- Involved Parties: Off-duty ICE officer and unidentified armed man
- Sequence of Events:
- Reports of gunfire in the area.
- Off-duty ICE officer investigates and encounters armed man.
- Suspect allegedly points weapon at officer and refuses to disarm.
- Officer returns fire; suspect returns fire with at least three rounds.
- Officer retreats, retrieves body armor, and contacts LAPD.
- LAPD arrives; suspect found deceased; officer unharmed.
- Investigations: LAPD and DHS conducting investigations; identity of deceased man not released.
Background Information
The Village Pointe Apartments are located in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, known for its residential community and proximity to California State University, Northridge. The area has experienced previous incidents involving law enforcement, including a shooting in July 2025 where a suspect was shot by LAPD officers during a foot pursuit.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and investigating customs violations. The off-duty officer involved in this incident is part of the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations division, which focuses on apprehending and removing individuals who are in the United States unlawfully.
Key Investigative Considerations
As investigations by both the LAPD and DHS continue, the focus will likely include a thorough review of the officer’s actions, the context of the shooting, and the management of similar incidents in the community. Given the sensitive nature of the incident—especially involving an off-duty ICE officer—local responses and community dialogue surrounding law enforcement protocols may come to the forefront.
Community Response
In a neighborhood like Northridge, community engagement and open dialogue can build stronger ties among residents and law enforcement. As residents reflect on this incident, opportunities may arise to foster discussions on safety, enhanced communication with local law enforcement, and the importance of community-policing efforts that empower residents while encouraging responsible behaviors.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the complexities involved in law enforcement interactions, emphasizing the role of safety, community trust, and the nuances of self-defense situations. As investigations continue, residents are encouraged to remain informed and engaged with local efforts to build a safer and more cohesive community. Supporting initiatives that foster dialogue between residents and law enforcement can ultimately lead to enhanced understanding and security for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the incident in Northridge?
On December 31, 2025, an off-duty ICE officer fatally shot a man who was allegedly firing a rifle into the air at the Village Pointe Apartments in Northridge, California. The officer confronted the armed man, identified himself as law enforcement, and after the suspect allegedly pointed his weapon at him and refused to disarm, the officer returned fire. The suspect fired at least three rounds before retreating. The officer was unharmed, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Both the LAPD and DHS are investigating the incident.
Who is the off-duty ICE officer involved?
The off-duty officer is a member of the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations division, which focuses on apprehending and removing individuals who are in the United States unlawfully. The officer’s identity has not been publicly released.
What is the status of the investigation?
The Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security are conducting investigations into the incident. The identity of the deceased man has not been publicly released, and no arrests have been made as of now.
Has the identity of the deceased man been released?
No, the identity of the deceased man has not been publicly released.
What is the Village Pointe Apartments known for?
The Village Pointe Apartments are located in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, known for its residential community and proximity to California State University, Northridge.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Village Pointe Apartments, Roscoe Boulevard and Amestoy Avenue, Northridge, California |
| Date and Time | December 31, 2025, around 10:30 p.m. |
| Involved Parties | Off-duty ICE officer and unidentified armed man |
| Sequence of Events | Reports of gunfire; officer investigates; confrontation; officer returns fire; suspect returns fire; officer retreats; LAPD arrives; suspect found deceased; officer unharmed |
| Investigations | LAPD and DHS conducting investigations; identity of deceased man not released |
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