Yervand Serobyan Obituary, Death – The Los Angeles County authorities have identified a man who was fatally shot by LAPD officers in Reseda following a violent confrontation that included an exchange of gunfire and a report that the suspect may have fired at a police helicopter. The individual was identified as Yervand Serobyan, according to information released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office on Wednesday.
The incident unfolded on Sunday evening at approximately 6:30 p.m., when officers responded to reports of an armed man in the area of Reseda Boulevard. According to a statement issued by the Los Angeles Police Department, as officers arrived on scene, they observed a man, later identified as Serobyan, running into an apartment complex on Victory Boulevard, near its intersection with Reseda Boulevard.
Police said the situation escalated when Serobyan, who was reportedly armed, began shooting at responding officers. Additionally, an LAPD officer piloting a helicopter overhead reported witnessing Serobyan firing a weapon in the direction of the aircraft. The suspect then fled to an alley behind the apartment complex, according to the police.
It was in this alleyway that the situation reached a critical point. LAPD officials said that Serobyan engaged in a shootout with officers in the alley, during which he was struck by gunfire. Officers on the scene confirmed that Serobyan was declared dead shortly after being shot. No injuries were reported among the responding officers during the incident.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, police secured the scene and launched a preliminary investigation. According to their initial findings, there was no evidence that the helicopter had been hit by the suspect’s gunfire. Despite the alarming report of shots fired at an aircraft, the helicopter remained unharmed, and no damage was noted.
Authorities also confirmed that a handgun believed to have been used by Serobyan was recovered at the scene. The weapon has been taken into police custody and logged as evidence as the investigation continues. Officials have not provided further details about the type of firearm recovered or how many rounds were discharged during the exchange.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, police have emphasized that the officers involved were responding to a direct and immediate threat, which prompted their use of deadly force. LAPD officials have not released the names of the officers involved, and as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the department is expected to conduct an internal review of the incident.
The shooting has drawn attention due to the particularly dangerous circumstances, including the allegation that the suspect fired at a police helicopter—a rare and highly serious offense. Firing at an aircraft poses a significant risk to public safety, and authorities will likely examine this element of the case closely in the coming days.
In addition to the internal review by the LAPD, the incident may also be subject to further scrutiny by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which often reviews police shootings for legal compliance and justification. The results of these investigations will determine whether the officers’ actions were in line with department policy and applicable laws.
Residents in the neighborhood where the incident occurred were left shaken by the sound of gunfire and the heavy police presence that followed. Victory Boulevard and surrounding streets were temporarily cordoned off as law enforcement secured the area and began their investigation. Some neighbors reported hearing multiple shots and witnessing officers with weapons drawn, while others expressed shock that such a violent episode took place in their usually quiet community.
As the investigation progresses, the LAPD may release body camera footage and other materials related to the incident in accordance with the department’s policy on transparency and accountability. These materials could offer a clearer picture of the moments leading up to the deadly encounter and help the public understand the sequence of events.
Meanwhile, authorities are also working to learn more about Yervand Serobyan, including any possible motive for his actions that evening. It remains unclear what led to the initial call that brought officers to the area, and whether Serobyan had any prior history with law enforcement or mental health concerns. Officials have not disclosed whether the suspect lived at the apartment complex or was visiting the area at the time of the incident.
The shooting adds to the ongoing conversation in Los Angeles and across the country about law enforcement’s role in responding to violent situations, the use of force, and community safety. While this particular incident involved an armed suspect and a high-risk encounter, it underscores the constant challenges faced by police and the complexities involved in split-second decision-making.
For now, the LAPD continues to gather evidence and witness statements as it works to complete a full investigation into the fatal shooting of Yervand Serobyan.
