Message From Downey Police Chief Rick Esteves

On the evening of October 22, 2011, while investigating a report of an armed robbery near Imperial Highway and Paramount Boulevard, a Downey Police Officer shot and killed Mr. Michael Nida, 31, of South Gate. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting as to avert any conflict of interest and will forward the completed investigation to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division. While we recognize it is the public’s desire to be informed of the facts in a timely manner, the investigation will take some time to complete.  In the interim, we must let justice take its course and allow this case to be investigated by a non-involved, independent organization.  The police officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Our police department understands the loss of human life is extremely tragic under any circumstance.  We sincerely offer our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Nida.