Burbank Police Department

Official Press Release

                                                                          DATE:   16 NOVEMBER 2003

                                                                                     TO:   MEDIA

                                                                               FROM:   P.I.O. SGT. WILLIAM BERRY

                                                           PHONE NUMBER:   818 238-3237

                                                                                                    Total number of pages:   1

 Questions regarding this statement may be directed to Sgt. W. Berry, Press Information Officer @ 818 238-3237

ONE BURBANK POLICE OFFICER KILLED, ANOTHER WOUNDED IN SHOOTING

Saturday night, November 15, 2003, at approximately 6:30 PM, two Burbank Police Officers were shot during a routine traffic stop in front of the Ramada Inn, located on San Fernando north of Buena Vista in the city of Burbank.

 During the contact, the two suspects began firing weapons at the officers.  Both officers received several gunshot wounds, but still managed to return fire, killing one suspect.  The other suspect fled on foot.

 Responding officers set up a perimeter between Hollywood Way and Buena Vista, San Fernando to the I-5 Freeway.  Traffic was stopped on the Freeway between Hollywood Way and Buena Vista for several hours during the search.

 Most off duty Burbank officers responded to assist.  Additionally, officers from the Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena, and San Fernando Police, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol also participated in the search.

 We are saddened to announce that one Officer died during surgery.  The other Officer is in stable condition. 

 The Burbank Police Department is a family, and is deeply saddened by the death and injury of the officers.  Our prayers are with them and their families.

 Four Burbank Law Enforcement Officers have previously been killed in the line of duty.  Two motorcycle officers were killed in separate traffic accidents three months apart in 1961.  Two Burbank Marshals were killed by gunfire in 1914 and in 1920.

 We have identified the outstanding suspect as David A. Garcia.  He is a Male, Hispanic, DOB 1-6-84, 6’ 1” 220, Brown eyes, Shaved head.  We request that anyone having information on his whereabouts contact the Burbank Police at (818) 238-3000 or (818) 238-3130.  He should be considered armed and very dangerous.

 Burbank Police Department

Press Information Office

200 N. Third St.

Burbank, CA 91502

818 238-3237

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