New footage shows suspect firing at Los Angeles Police Department helicopter

Warning: The video released by the department contains profanity and sensitive content. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Los Angeles Police Department has released video of an officer-involved shooting where the suspect fired rounds at a police helicopter.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 20 in the 2100 block of West 76th Street in South Los Angeles.

“77th Street Patrol Division uniformed officers responded to a radio call of an assault with a deadly weapon [with the] suspect [at the scene],” the department stated. “An LAPD manned air unit responded to the call and began orbiting the scene.”

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The officers in the airship were able to spot the suspect, later identified as Anthony Whitsey, standing in the front yard of his residence. Whitsey then fired “approximately three to five” rounds from a pistol at the orbiting helicopter, LAPD said.

New footage shows officer-involved shooting where suspect fired at LAPD helicopter. Nov. 2024. (LAPD)

Officers, who at that point had also observed Whitsey holding a gun in the front yard, gave the 57-year-old commands to drop the weapon; however, he failed to comply, at which point officers opened fire, the department confirmed.

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“Whitsey dropped the pistol, remained in the front yard but refused to comply with the officers’ commands to surrender,” LAPD said. “As additional units arrived at the scene, officers fired multiple rounds from a 40-millimeter less-lethal launcher, striking Whitsey.”

At that point, Whitsey retreated into his residence, still refusing to surrender. A SWAT Team was deployed, and Whitsey eventually exited the home and was taken into custody after he was bit by a police K9.

According to the department, Whitsey was not struck by gunfire. He was taken to a local hospital, treated for injuries and subsequently booked for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.

A firearm that was in Whitsey’s possession was recovered and booked as evidence.

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New footage shows suspect firing at Los Angeles Police Department helicopter

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