An allegedly armed suspect who was fatally shot by Los Angeles Police Department officers during a confrontation in Reseda was identified Tuesday by county authorities.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office identified him as Alex Canizalez, 39.
Officers from the LAPD’s West Valley Division were called at 12:10 a.m. Monday to Sherman Way and Geyser Avenue regarding a report of an assault with a deadly weapon near a 7-Eleven. When they arrived at the scene, they met a possible victim who claimed to have been shot, according go an LAPD statement.
“As officers were speaking with the victim, they heard gunfire near their location,” police said.
An “officer needs help, shots fired” call was issued and a perimeter was set up with support from an LAPD helicopter crew.
“The air unit directed officers to the suspect … who was in front of a convenience store located in the 18800 block of Sherman Way,” according to the LAPD.
Officers from the department’s Topanga station, who had responded to the call for help, encountered Canizalez, who allegedly was armed with a handgun.
At least one officer opened fire and Canizalez was struck and taken into custody without further incident.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
A handgun was recovered, police said, adding that one community member they described as a victim, “sustained a superficial injury, possibly from shrapnel fired from Canizalez’ handgun.”
No officers were injured.
Representatives from the LAPD’s Family Liaison Section notified Canizalez’ family that their relative was dead.
The area of Sherman Way from Geyser Street to Reseda Boulevard was closed for several hours while police investigated and processed the scene.