Homicide Report > Keith Watkins, 40
Keith Watkins, 40
Died Sept. 18, 2011
Keith Watkins, a 40-year-old black man, was shot and killed by police Sunday, Sept. 18, in the 1100 block of West 53rd Street in Vermont Square, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Officers responded to a call regarding a party about 10:45 p.m., according to Sgt. Rudy Alaniz of the LAPD's 77th Street station. When the units arrived, Watkins ran from the party and officers chased him.
During the foot chase, Watkins drew a gun and one of the officers fired, Alaniz said.
Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured.
Officials later recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun and narcotics.
The LAPD Force Investigation Division is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 77th Street detectives at (213) 485-4175. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Abby Sewell
- Neighborhood: Vermont Square
- Age: 40
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Sunday
- Agency: LAPD 77th
- Race/Ethnicity: Black
- Circumstance: Officer-involved
Four reader comments about Keith Watkins
Hey Jag, was this guy just going to show off his brand new gun to the police, when they overreacted?
Sept. 29, 2011 at 2:05 p.m.
Mr. Watkins, died at the hands of rogue officers who chase him down but fail to check him but fired upon him because he said he had a gun and they shot him in the back. There was no party but a gathering for a elder lady who passed. Its a amazing how the can put a spin on the story when they killed him. They need to be held accountable or dealt in the same manner because they dont protect but serve usin the wrong way.
Sept. 29, 2011 at 2:59 p.m.
ThaTruth, is very common for police to change the story when they kill a suspect. Meck, so what are your thoughts about TheTruth comments?
Sept. 30, 2011 at 10:37 a.m.
— Jag
Well first of all, where is — ThaTruth
getting this information from? Was he/she there? Did he/she witness the shooting? I would never run away from a cop. There must've been a reason this guy was being chased. To make matters worse, the guy starts yelling that he has a gun. What are the officers to do? Wait until he pulls out the gun and starts blasting? Look at the neighborhood they're in. Gang-infested, full of crime and the map shows a grip of murders in the area. These cops wanted to get home alive that night. So would I.
Oct. 3, 2011 at 9:01 a.m.
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