LAPD Fires Officer Sought In Connection With Off-Duty Pomona Shooting
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An LAPD officer being sought in connection with the shooting death of a 23-year-old Pomona man was fired Tuesday, according to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.
Police said Henry Solis, 27, a rookie, is wanted in the shooting of Salome Rodriguez Jr., 23, who was gunned down near Third and Main streets in Pomona around 3:30 a.m. Friday after a fistfight at a bar. He died at a hospital.
Speaking at a news conference after the Police Commission meeting, Beck said Solis has "dishonored" the LAPD and should turn himself in immediately.
"The mere fact that he is not cooperating with the Pomona Police Department and he is not showing up for work is sufficient to terminate him," Beck said.
If Solis, who was on probationary status, had been a tenured employee, Beck said: "We would have to go through the civil service process as described in the law for a termination.
"This is one of those instances where I could take immediate action, so I will," Beck said.
The police chief also addressed Solis directly.
"You have dishonored this Police Department, your country and your service to the country and your family," said Beck. "You should turn yourself in and face the consequences for your actions."
Before joining the LAPD in June, Solis was in the U.S. Marine Corps. He has been out in the field in the San Fernando Valley's Devonshire Division since November.
Police say Solis, described as Hispanic, 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, may be driving a brown or tan 1992 Ford pickup, license number 4J79703.
Anyone with information about Solis' whereabouts was asked to call the Pomona police detective bureau at (909) 620-2085, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
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