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Brian Leslie Statler, 30

Brian Leslie Statler, a 30-year-old black man, was shot and killed by Inglewood police Wednesday, March 27, in the 300 block of S. Market Street in Inglewood, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s records.

About 3:30 p.m., Statler drove up to the Church of Scientology of Inglewood in a white Bentley and walked inside with a “very large sword,” police said.

About five people were in the lobby when Statler entered. Police would not describe what happened inside, but said that two police officers, along with Statler, were shot.

Statler was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:33 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

One officer was shot in the hand, the other in the forearm. Neither injury was believed to be life-threatening.

At a news conference the night of the shooting, Inglewood Police Lt. Oscar Mejia said authorities were still trying to determine whether Statler had a gun and how the officers were shot.

The Church of Scientology said in a statement: "We thank the Inglewood Police Department for their rapid response in protecting our parishioners and staff members. These officers are doing a heroic job protecting the community and keeping houses of worship safe."

The Church of Scientology of Inglewood, along with a nearby community center, opened in late 2011, according to the church’s website.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.

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