Suspect raising arms in surrender with police officers behind and a black SUV under streetlamp light

Burglary Call in Winnetka Turns Deadly Early Tuesday

A Winnetka burglary call turns deadly early Tuesday when officers confront a non-compliant suspect. No officer injuries; resident hand injury treated; street closed; investigation ongoing.

The Incident

The incident began with a 2 a.m. burglary call at an apartment complex in Winnetka. Residents were inside their homes when the suspect entered the complex, using a metal pole to break into a neighboring apartment unit, and was observed by arriving officers.

Police Response

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department arrived shortly after 2 a.m., witnessing the suspect’s attempt to enter the unit. The officers immediately engaged the suspect, issuing commands to stop and surrender. The suspect did not comply, continuing to resist the officers’ instructions. LAPD officials confirmed that the suspect was non-compliant during the encounter, refusing to step away or yield to the officers’ presence.

Use of Force

In an effort to subdue the suspect, officers attempted to deploy a taser. The taser failed to incapacitate the suspect, and he persisted in resisting. Following the unsuccessful taser attempt, officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived promptly, providing medical care and transporting the suspect to a hospital. The victim was reported to be in stable condition upon arrival at the medical facility.

Aftermath

No officers sustained injuries during the shooting. However, a resident suffered a hand injury as a result of the burglary and the confrontation with the suspect. The resident received treatment on the scene and was subsequently released. The suspect remained in stable condition after being transported to the hospital. The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the incident, seeking to gather additional evidence and determine the suspect’s motives.

Investigation

The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet released additional details regarding the suspect’s identity or the motive behind the burglary. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence at the scene. The incident remains under active investigation, with the LAPD working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the use of force and the subsequent shooting.

Road Closure

Saticoy Street between Oso and Mason avenues will remain closed as the investigation continues. The closure is intended to preserve evidence and ensure public safety while officers gather information about the incident. Local law-enforcement agencies have placed barriers and rerouted traffic to accommodate the closure. Residents and commuters are advised to use alternative routes until the investigation is complete.

Resident Injury

The resident who sustained a hand injury during the burglary was treated on the scene by emergency medical personnel. After receiving initial care, the resident was released and advised to monitor for any delayed symptoms. The incident report indicates that the hand injury was a result of the suspect’s intrusion and the subsequent confrontation with law-enforcement officers.

Suspect Condition

Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department transported the suspect to a nearby hospital. Upon arrival, medical staff assessed the suspect and determined that his condition was stable. The suspect was not in critical condition and was able to be admitted for observation. The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that the suspect’s injuries were consistent with the shooting incident and that he is receiving ongoing care.

Officer Safety

All officers involved in the incident reported no injuries. The Los Angeles Police Department emphasized that officers are trained to use the least amount of force necessary to ensure safety. Officers used a taser before resorting to firearms, as indicated by the incident report. The use of force was deemed necessary by the officers to neutralize a non-compliant suspect who posed a threat to themselves and the public.

Police officers in tactical gear stand at apartment entrance with hands on hips watching suspect raise arms.

Media Report

The incident was reported by Amber Frias for NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. The report was published by NBC Universal, Inc. and provided a detailed account of the burglary, the officers’ response, and the shooting. The article highlighted the use of a taser, the subsequent use of firearms, and the medical treatment of the suspect and resident.

Summary

In summary, a burglary call in Winnetka escalated into a shooting early Tuesday when officers confronted a non-compliant suspect. Officers attempted to use a taser, which was ineffective, before firing their weapons. The suspect was struck and taken to a hospital in stable condition. No officers were injured, and a resident sustained a hand injury but was treated and released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Key Takeaways

Key takeaways from the incident include: a burglary call can quickly turn violent; officers used a taser before resorting to firearms; the suspect was struck and remains in stable condition; no officers were injured; a resident sustained a hand injury but was treated and released; Saticoy Street remains closed pending investigation.

Additional Context

The incident underscores the challenges law-enforcement officers face when confronting armed or non-compliant suspects, and the need for comprehensive training and equipment. The Los Angeles Police Department has reiterated that officers are trained to use the least amount of force necessary to ensure safety. The use of a taser before firearms is a standard protocol, but in this case the taser did not incapacitate the suspect, leading to the use of firearms. The department is reviewing the incident to assess whether alternative de-escalation techniques could have been employed.

Closing

The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the shooting and burglary, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the suspect’s motives. The incident highlights the importance of rapid response and the potential escalation of burglary incidents. Residents and commuters are advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activity promptly. Public safety remains top priority.

Author

  • My name is Marcus L. Bennett, and I cover crime, law enforcement, and public safety in Los Angeles. My reporting is driven by a commitment to keep communities informed about events that affect their safety and wellbeing. I focus on accurate, timely, and responsible coverage that empowers residents with the knowledge they need.

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