Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Concludes Officer Involved Shooting Review

On November 15, 2003, at approximately 6:26 PM, Officers Greg Campbell and Matthew Pavelka contacted two occupants of a black Cadillac Escalade parked to the rear of the Ramada Inn, 2900 N. San Fernando Boulevard.  A gun battle ensued, killing Officer Matthew Pavelka and critically wounding Officer Greg Campbell.  Officers returned fire, killing Ramon Aranda of Sun Valley.  After an intense investigation, David Garcia of Sun Valley was arrested and charged with the murder of Officer Pavelka and the attempted murder of Officer Greg Campbell.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting of Officers Pavelka and Campbell, as well as their assailants, were examined by members of the Justice System Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. 

On July 11, 2005, the Justice System Integrity Division announced its conclusion regarding the shooting of Ramon Aranda.  The report states that Officer Campbell acted lawfully in self-defense and the defense of his fellow officer.  “In this case, Officer Campbell obviously responded appropriately and legally when he fired his pistol at suspect Aranda”. 

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will take no further action in this matter.

David Garcia is currently awaiting trial for the murder of Officer Pavelka and the attempted murder of Officer Campbell.