(L.A.) Lamar Harper, 42, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2026-00173

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 42-year-old Black male who died while in the custody of LAPD.

The coroner’s office identified the man as Lamar Harper.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Sequelae of Methamphetamine Effects

RIP LAMAR CHRISTOPH HARPER (February 21, 1983 – January 5, 2026)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday night at L.A. General Medical Center.

Los Angeles Police Department’s Narrative

Force Investigation Division is investigating an in-custody death that occurred in Hollenbeck Area.

On December 31, 2025, at around 8:25a.m., uniformed officers from Hollenbeck Patrol Division responded to a radio call of an assault with a deadly weapon suspect in the area of 1st Street and North Soto Street. Comments of the call indicated a Hispanic male suspect was armed with a large kitchen knife and was swinging it at pedestrians.

Upon arrival, officers were advised that the suspect had entered the Metro Rail station. With the assistance of additional responding units, officers located the suspect later identified as 31-year-old, Lamar Harper, inside a train, where he was screaming and yelling. Officers detained Harper and placed him in handcuffs using wrist locks and firm grips. Harper was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he was medically cleared for booking.

Harper was later booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center for 245(A)(1) P.C. “Assault with a Deadly Weapon” and placed into a holding cell by Custody Services Division (CSD) personnel.

While monitoring Harper, CSD personnel observed that he was unresponsive and not moving. A welfare check was conducted, and Harper was found to be unconscious and not breathing. CSD personnel, along with dispensary staff, immediately rendered medical aid until care was assumed by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel. Harper was transported by rescue ambulance to Los Angeles General Medical Center, where he was placed on life support.

Despite medical intervention, Harper did not respond to treatment and was pronounced deceased on January 5, 2026, at 11:00 p.m.