Homicide Report > Randal Simmons, 51
Randal Simmons, 51
Died Feb. 7, 2008 at 12:55 a.m.
Randal Simmons, a 51-year-old black man and a veteran of LAPD's SWAT unit, was shot during a standoff with an armed suspect at 19828 Welby Way in Winnetka about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7.
Simmons was taken to Northridge Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about 1 a.m. Simmons was one of of four people killed by a gunman. According to police, a man called 911 about 9 p.m. Wednesday night and said he had killed three of his family members.
Officers with LAPD's West Valley Division called in the SWAT unit after the man refused to come out of the home. About 12:30 a.m. SWAT officers broke through the front door, gunfire was exchanged and Simmons and another veteran officer were shot. The second officer was taken to the hospital, where he is listed in stable condition, police said.
According to Assistant Police Chief James McDonnell, Simmons is survived by his wife, a son and daughter, and his parents. Simmons' death is the first in the 27-year history of the SWAT unit, McDonnell said.
— Jill Leovy
Photo: LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore, left, with Assistant Chiefs Earl Paysinger and Gary Brennan, attend press conference to discuss the fatal shooting of LAPD SWAT officer Randal Simmons. Credit: Genaro Molina
Three reader comments about Randal Simmons
So sad, i just read about this... what a waste, a true hero was lost that day, wish the gunman would have manned up and just done his oneself in instead of taking away a hard working family man... Much love goes to the simmons family, so sorry ... a hero indeed
June 16, 2010 at 4:36 p.m.
Isnt is strange that ther was never a follow up?...shot by his colleague WOW...and now Dorner is exposing them....LAPD is as racist as they come and SWAT is on the high list of them all
Feb. 28, 2013 at 12:57 p.m.
What are you talking about? He was killed by the man who barricaded himself in the house. Killed by his colleague? Who said that? Plus, Dorner was on the force for only 10 months. and that was 4 years ago. Dorner didn't know anything.
March 4, 2013 at 9:21 a.m.
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