Jeovany Mendoza, 18

Dec. 1, 2012

Jeovany Mendoza, an 18-year-old Latino, was shot and killed by police Saturday, Dec. 1, in the 14600 block of Saticoy Street in Van Nuys, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The shooting occurred about 8 p.m. after officers responded to a 911 call about an assault with a deadly weapon, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

When the officers arrived, sources said, Mendoza was holding a knife to a woman's throat. He refused to drop the knife after being ordered to do so by officers, at least one of whom opened fire.

Mendoza was fatally shot in the face, coroner's records show.

No officers were hurt in the confrontation, according to the sources who said the investigation was still unfolding.

Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 275-5273. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Andrew Blankstein

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23 reader comments

@ Jag,

You have some valid points, but it's not always cut and dry. Sure there are bad cops out there but the majority are servants of the law.

Let me make this clear to all who are clouded...Cops are trained to shoot to kill. They don't shoot to wound for several reasons, the main one being the perpetrator can still cause harm or even kill while wounded. They are trained to shoot center mass (the head and chest).

Perhaps this guy knew that and used this woman as a shield. I guarantee this guy had ample time to drop the knife, he decided his odds were better with his "shield". He was wrong, and lucky for her, this cop was a good shot.

Here's an interesting article that clarifies:

http://gothamist.com/2010/10/22/why_cant_cops_shoot_to_wound.php

— mightymike33tm3 Feb. 6, 2013 at 4:34 p.m.

All in here are hypocrite idiots. 99% of you don't have a idea what it is to be a cop. So all you that are saying they should have never taken that shot. Ask this to your self.
What if that victim that had a knife pointing at her throat was your mom, sister, daughter, aunt, etc....
Would you think the same, would you like the cop to take a shot at the arm or legs? So the suspect gets shot in the leg or arm. He still has the chance to use his knife now. On the way down he decides to slit the victims throat. Great job, now right. Now the suspect it's living, while the victim is dead. Now back to the question. How would you feel if that victim was a love one of yours?
Some of you idiots need to think with your head and not your ass....

— POPO Jan. 1, 2013 at 11:54 a.m.