Pablo Meza, 24, was fatally shot by Los Angeles Police Department officers on January 17, 2015, at the intersection of Jesse and Mateo streets in Downtown Los Angeles. Officers responded to reports of a man firing a gun in the air and, upon arrival, encountered Meza, who was allegedly armed and pointed his gun at them. Officers Michael Pettinato and Alberto Funes fired, and Meza was struck multiple times and died at the scene; the coroner confirmed multiple gunshot wounds.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division reviewed the incident, and concluded Officer Pettinato acted in lawful self-defense and defense of another, while Officer Funes acted in lawful defense of another. No charges were filed against either officer. The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division and the DA’s review examined witness statements and the officers’ accounts.

The shooting prompted public discussion about police use of force and officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles. If anyone witnessed the encounter at Jesse and Mateo streets that day or has relevant information, please share what was seen.