Nearly a year after Yang Yong, a 40-year-old Korean American man with a mental illness, was fatally shot by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer, no disciplinary or compensatory measures have been taken. The officer who fired the shots and two others involved remain on duty without suspension or reassignment.
Officers Remain Active Despite Deadly Incident
Andres Lopez, the officer who fired three shots that killed Yang, remains on active duty at the Olympic Division, which oversees Koreatown. Two other LAPD officers involved in the case are also working without any personnel action.
Rachel Rodriguez, captain of the Olympic Division, confirmed in a call with The Korea Daily that “there was no administrative leave or suspension for the officers involved,” although “some adjustments were made to their roles.”
LAPD Policy Allows Return Before Investigations Conclude
LAPD policy states that officers involved in fatal use-of-force incidents are generally placed on paid administrative leave. If no policy violation is found, they can return to duty within days or weeks—sometimes in desk jobs. Officers under investigation often resume patrol duties while still carrying weapons. Unless there is clear proof of misconduct, they can continue working without penalty.
Tony Im, Public Information Officer (PIO) for LAPD, told The Korea Daily on April 22 that there has been no update on disciplinary actions for the three officers. Disciplinary authority lies with Chief Jim McDonnell, who must base his decisions on the Los Angeles Police Commission’s review.
The commission completed its review on April 8, but over two weeks later, no outcome has been announced. The Yang family has not been contacted or updated.
Family Left Without Information or Closure
Dr. Yang Min, father of the deceased, said on April 22 that he has not heard from LAPD since the incident. “No one has told us the results of the investigation or whether any discipline is planned,” he said. He believes no action will be taken.
“From what I found, LAPD has never disciplined an officer involved in a shooting since 2000. I doubt they’ll start now.”
Court-Ordered Records Still Delayed
LAPD has also been slow in releasing public records related to the case. The Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled last month that LAPD must release all documents by April 3, following a request from The Korea Daily.
However, Attorney Jung Chan-Yong, who submitted the records request, said LAPD asked for an extra month. “At the current pace, it could take much longer,” he said. “This delay shows deeper flaws in the police system.”
Police Commission Split on Use of Force
Of the five Police Commission members who reviewed the case, three determined that Officer Lopez’s use of force was justified. Teresa Sanchez-Gordon and Maria Lou Calanche disagreed, saying his response violated department policy.
The Korea Daily contacted the commission multiple times to ask for the reasoning behind the dissenting votes but received no reply.
Sarah Bell, LA Police Commission Public Information Director, said the case is part of a confidential personnel process and cannot be disclosed to the public.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
