SWAT Officer Gets Shot In The Chest During Shootout With Suspect In Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California — On March 16, 2021 around 12:15​ p.m., LAPD Southwest Patrol Division officers responded to a radio call of an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon" in the 1000 block of West 21st Street.

The officers learned that the suspect, later identified as 36-year-old Jorge Cerda, was armed, believed to be under the influence of narcotics, and had discharged a weapon. After the suspect barricaded himself inside a home, officers from Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) were summoned to the scene to assist.


The SWAT personnel established containment, cleared surrounding residents from the area, and initiated their efforts to establish communication with the suspect.

After the Crisis Negotiation Team declared an impasse, gas was deployed into the home. As this occurred, the suspect fired, striking SWAT officer, Rodney Williams twice. The suspect then exited the residence armed with a shotgun resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting. Cerda was struck by gunfire.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and determined Cerda had died at the scene.

Officer Williams struck by gunfire was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition. He suffered a shot to the face and around to the chest which was stopped by his vest.

A shotgun and pistol were recovered at the scene and booked as evidence. No other officers or bystanders were injured during this incident.