LAPD Officer Shoots Suspect who Swung 2-by-4

A Los Angeles Police officer shot and injured a 19-year-old burglary suspect who swung a 2-by-4 board at officers who confronted him Saturday night.

Officers responded to a retail store in the 10900 block of Victory Boulevard near Vineland Avenue at about 10:30 p.m. They tracked Nathan Melara, 19, to the rear of the store, where they attempted to detain him.

Melara picked up the piece of wood and swung it at the advancing officers. During the arrest, Melara punched one of the officers several times in the head, reports the Los Angeles Daily News .