Watch CBS News

With Police And Communities On Edge, CBSLA Goes Along For A Ride

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — When a call for backup comes in, Los Angeles Police Sgt. Darius Trugman responds without hesitation.

With sirens wailing, he's trying to get to the scene as quickly and safely as possible. When Trugman arrives, he's still unaware of exactly what he'll find.

A night after a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed by police in Boyle Heights, CBSLA went along for a ride with the LAPD to feel the ongoing tension between police and citizens first-hand.

One call ended with police arresting a man with a gun who may be connected to an earlier gang shooting. Coincidentally, it's on the same corner in South Los Angeles where the police shooting of Ezell Ford took place two years ago, causing a large crowd to gather. The sudden large police presence quickly dispersed them.

"There's a community sensitivity issue," LAPD Lt. Roger Murphy said. "Folks want to see what's going on, but there's some in the crowd that try to rile the crowd up."

Then it's on to the next call. But now, Tuesday night's Boyle Heights shooting is in the spotlight. Police say he had a loaded gun and witnesses reported he shot at officers, but his family says otherwise.

"You have a 14-year-old out on the streets with a loaded gun; I don't envy those officers having to make that decision, and you know I feel for that family."

CBSLA asked LAPD Cmdr Phillip Tingirides about the policy to use lethal force.

"The bottom line is, if somebody's shooting at you, age is no longer a factor," Tingirides, said. "The focus needs to be on what can we do to reduce the amount of kids out here with guns."

Trugman says he and the department are trying to partner with the community now more than ever.

"Even with a five-second wave, you're garnering some kind of trust."

During the ride-along, a  woman in a car pulled up to Trugman, rolled down her window and said she's praying for police.

"I'm glad you guys saw that," Trugman said. "That's the majority of the people out here. We continue to work hard; we try to lead by example."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.