The Los Angeles Police Department has released a disturbing video of a shootout involving police officers and a man identified as Anthony Franks barricaded inside a Skid Row apartment.
No one was injured in the exchange of gunfire and the suspect was eventually taken into custody.
Los Angeles Police Department Press Release Re: Anthony Franks Shooting Incident
February 21, 2024
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Officer-Involved Shooting in Central Division
*The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed*
Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in Central Division.
On February 20, 2024, at around 8:40 p.m., Central Division patrol officers responded to a radio call for an “Assault with a Deadly Weapon” suspect at an apartment in the 400 block of East 5th Street. The comments of the call indicated that the suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Anthony Franks, threatened his neighbor with a gun.
Once officers arrived at the location, the Person Reporting (PR) informed the officers that Franks pointed a gun at her. During this brief interaction, Franks emerged from the doorway of his apartment with what appeared to be a pistol (later determined to be a Projectile Launcher). Franks pointed and fired the weapon at the officers and the PR, which resulted in an Officer-Involved Shooting.
Franks was not struck by gunfire and immediately retreated back into his apartment. Officers broadcast a “shots fired, officer needs help” call and additional officers responded to the scene.
After a brief standoff, telephone contact was made with Franks and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Investigators released surveillance video from inside the apartment building showing Franks fire his weapon at the officers.
A weapon (in the appearance of a semi-automatic pistol) capable of firing .50 caliber rubber balls and a jar of .50 caliber rubber balls were recovered at scene. Additionally, a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun was also recovered from Franks’ apartment.
All items were booked as evidence.
No officers or other community members were injured during this incident.
Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.