North Hollywood — (Scroll Down For Video) — The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating a Categorical Use of Force that occurred in North Hollywood Division.
On January 5, 2020, around 4:00 a.m., North Hollywood officers responded to a radio call of a vandalism suspect in the 6200 block of Elmer Avenue. The comments in the radio call stated that the suspect, later identified as Oktawian Balenkowski, was throwing rocks at the residence. Balenkowski was also described as possibly being under the influence of an unknown substance.
When officers arrived at the location, they observed the suspect Balenkowski in the front yard and attempted to communicate with him. Balenkowski ignored the officers and climbed the fence of a neighboring yard, later determined to be his parents’ home, and went inside. Once inside the residence, Balenkowski grabbed his mother with both arms. In an effort to detain Balenkowski, officers requested a backup and a use of force occurred. The use of force involved a firm grip and officer bodyweight.
Balenkowski was taken into custody and later transported to a local hospital for being under the influence of an unknown substance. On January 6, 2020, it was determined Balenkowski’s right elbow had been dislocated during the use of force. Balenkowski was admitted into the hospital for his injury. No officers were injured during this incident.
Force Investigation Division (FID) responded and is handling the investigation.
