Los Angeles, August 15, 2013 –– Today Vanessa Acosta was convicted by plea of two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm on Los Angeles police officers, and one count of felon in Possession of a Firearm (People v. Acosta case #LA072340), according to the District Attorney’s Office. She will receive a sentence of 30 years in prison.
On October 17, 2012, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a car in which Acosta was the passenger. Rather than pull over, Acosta and the driver fled, leading police on a dangerous pursuit through the San Fernando Valley. During the pursuit, Acosta fired at the pursuing officers with a stolen gun. The car eventually crashed into a wall, and when the driver exited the vehicle and armed himself with a handgun the officers, in defense of their lives, fired at the suspects, where ultimately one was killed. Acosta was then taken into custody and treated for a gunshot wound to her arm. A handgun with an extended-capacity magazine was recovered at the scene The maximum sentence, had the defendant been convicted of attempted murder of a police officer, was 35 to life, with additional punishment had the jury found her responsible for the death of her crime partner due to her provocative acts. While Acosta pled today, she will be formally sentenced on September 3.
Deputy District Attorney Frank Tavelman of the Crimes Against Peace Officer’s Section (CAPOS) tenaciously prosecuted the case. CAPOS is a specialized unit within the District Attorney’s Office that prosecutes the most serious crimes committed against peace officers including murder, attempted murder and other serious violent assaults.
“We express our thanks to the CAPOS unit and the fine legal team that District Attorney Jackie Lacey has assembled to prosecute those who harm police officers. While their work often goes unnoticed, it is greatly appreciated,” said Tyler Izen, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League.
Contact: Eric Rose (805) 624-0572.
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
