14-year-old girl shot by police at North Hollywood department store ID’d

The 14-year-old girl killed by gunfire, likely from Los Angeles police, while officers were responding to reports of a shooting at a North Hollywood Burlington Coat Factory has been identified by the Los Angeles County’s Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office

Valentina Orellana-Peralta was hit as police opened fire on a man suspected of assaulting a woman at the department store, in the 12100 block of Victory Boulevard. That man, who has not yet been identified, also died.

The girl was in a changing room with her mother when she was fatally shot, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a Friday, Dec. 24, press release. The wall of the changing room was directly behind the suspect and, the LAPD said, it appears she was shot by an officer.

Police found her while searching for additional suspects and victims, the LAPD said.

“This chaotic incident resulting in the death of an innocent child is tragic and devastating for everyone involved,” police Chief Michael Moore said in a statement. “I am profoundly sorry for the loss of this young girl’s life and I know there are no words that can relieve the unimaginable pain for the family.”

The 911 calls, body-worn camera footage and other evidence will be released by Monday, Moore said.

Officers had rushed to the area of Victory Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard about 11:45 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting in progress, Capt. Stacy Spell said.

As police were en route to the store, he said, they received additional calls reporting an active shooter, with descriptions of people sheltering.

When they arrived, the LAPD’s Friday statement said, they found a woman who was injured and bleeding.

Not far away, officers encountered the suspect and opened fire.

The California Department of Justice will independently investigate and review the shooting, state Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced.

Source: Orange County Register