[chris]

On April 3, 2026, around 1:08 a.m., uniformed 77th Street Patrol Division officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call at a gas station near the 11500 block of South Vermont Avenue in the Southeast Area.

The call indicated that a shooting had occurred and a victim had been struck by gunfire. The suspect was described as a 45-year-old Hispanic man wearing a black sweater and black pants, last seen fleeing westbound on Imperial Highway.

While canvassing the area, officers saw Eliar Real Hernandez, who matched the description. Hernandez was walking on the sidewalk while holding a handgun pointed at his head. One officer gave multiple verbal commands, but Hernandez did not comply and then turned toward the officers, resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

Hernandez was struck by gunfire and taken into custody. Officers rendered medical aid and requested the Los Angeles Fire Department. LAFD personnel pronounced Hernandez deceased at the scene.

A loaded 9-millimeter ghost gun was recovered at the scene and booked as evidence. No officers or additional community members were injured. The involved officers were Police Officer II Antonio Cortina, Serial No. 45184, and Police Officer II Kevin Santizo, Serial No. 43780.