Undercover Detectives Arrest Man in La Mirada Wanted for Murder

Dennis Bracamontes, 43, wanted for murder seen surrendering on Aug. 20, 2024, in La Mirada. (LASD)

October 3, 2024

(KTLA) A 43-year-old man with an active warrant for murder in Los Angeles County sustained minor injuries after undercover detectives opened fire on him in August while taking him into custody, authorities announced Wednesday.  

The high-risk arrest occurred on Aug. 20 just before 2 p.m. when detectives with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department spotted 43-year-old Dennis Bracamontes during a surveillance operation in the 14700 block of Firestone Boulevard in La Mirada, according to an LASD critical incident briefing.  

In surveillance footage released by the department, the murder suspect was seen in the parking lot of what appears to be a hotel moments before he and a female passenger get into a vehicle.

Several undercover vehicles speed into the parking lot and block Bracamontes, who was behind the wheel of the vehicle, from being able to back out.  

Authorities say that detectives exited their vehicles, identified themselves and ordered the 43-year-old to turn the car off and show his hands. That’s when authorities say Bracamontes pointed a handgun at the detectives, prompting one of them to open fire on the vehicle.  

“Multiple body-worn cameras recorded the incident, but the pointing of the gun by Bracamontes was not in view of the cameras,” LASD said in the briefing.  

In body-worn camera footage of the shooting, a detective is seen firing several rounds toward the vehicle Bracamontes was in, even appearing to strike another vehicle parked in the lot.  

The 43-year-old ultimately surrendered to detectives, who recovered a Polymer 80 9mm handgun inside his vehicle.  

Medical personnel with the Los Angeles County Fire Department took Bracamontes to a nearby hospital for injuries caused by shattered glass fragments. He was then released into custody where he faces murder and additional charges.  

The female with the suspect did not sustain any injuries, though she was detained, LASD said.  

Officials with the sheriff’s department, as well as investigators with the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office will conduct independent reviews of the deputy-involved shooting.