A Los Angeles Police Department K-9 helped bring a violent confrontation to an end after a suspect fired multiple rounds at a police helicopter during a prolonged standoff that unfolded in broad daylight last month, according to department footage released Sunday.
The incident occurred on Nov. 20 after officers responded to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon.
Once on scene, officers deployed an LAPD helicopter to assist with locating and monitoring the suspect.
Police identified the man as Anthony Whitsey, 57, who was seen outside his residence armed with a handgun.
According to LAPD, Whitsey fired “approximately three to five” rounds from a 9mm handgun at the helicopter as it hovered overhead.
Video released by the department shows Whitsey standing in front of his home, gesturing and shouting before raising the firearm and discharging it into the air toward the aircraft.
After the shots were fired, officers on the ground returned fire.
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Whitsey was not struck by gunfire, but he eventually dropped the weapon onto his front lawn and retreated back into the house.
The incident then developed into a standoff that lasted nearly four hours as officers attempted to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion.
During the standoff, SWAT officers established a perimeter around the home.
Negotiators attempted to communicate with Whitsey while aerial units continued to monitor the scene.
Police said the suspect remained inside the residence for an extended period before briefly stepping back outside.
Footage shows Whitsey opening his front door and stepping onto his porch, where officers were positioned nearby.
At that point, officers released a police dog toward the suspect.
The K-9 quickly engaged Whitsey, bringing him to the ground on the porch area.
The video shows the dog securing the suspect while officers moved in to take him into custody.
Whitsey was then restrained and removed from the scene without further gunfire.
Police said Whitsey was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the arrest.
According to LAPD, Whitsey suffered dog bite injuries to his shoulders, arms, and legs.
He was treated and later booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
LAPD confirmed that Whitsey was not struck by bullets at any point during the standoff.
No officers were reported injured during the incident, and the police helicopter was not hit despite being fired upon.
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