Demonstration Set for Most Recent Unarmed Man Killed by LBPD: RL NEWS Briefs June 2, 2015

LONG BEACH — A demonstration is scheduled to demand police transparency after 20-year-old Ferad Morad was killed by a Long Beach Police Department officer.

The demonstration will take place at 4 p.m. June starting from Lincoln Park and continuing twice  around the Long Peach Police Department.

Officials said  Morad, who they believe was under the influence of some type of drug, threatened to attack an officer. Officers tried using a Taser, when that didn’t work, they opened fire.

LBPD officers were dispatched to the 4600 block of East 15^th Street at about 7:30 p.m. They were responding reports from the Long Beach Fire Department that Morad, who was acting violently, had jumped through the glass of a second-story window, officials said. The recent release of the 9-1-1 call for the fire department shows that the caller not only indicated that Morad was acting “a little violent” but also was unarmed.

A 12-year veteran officer found Morad in an alley. He reportedly had a large cut and was covered in blood. The officer then commanded Morad to stop walking so he could be given medical treatment, but Morad advanced toward the officer and threatened to attack him, having used his Taser with no avail, the officer opened fire, officials said.

Morad was taken into custody and fire personnel began life-saving measures before transporting him to a local hospital. He was later pronounced dead.

The incident is pending an investigation by the LBPD and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. The officer has not been identified. The officer, whose name has not been released, has been assigned to a non-field position pending the investigation. This is the fourth officer-involved shooting in Long Beach and the second fatal shooting this year.

Family members, who were notified of Morad’s death on May 29, reportedly have told other media outlets that Morad was planning to attend Cal State Long Beach in the fall. At El Camino Real Charter High School he excelled at speech and debate. A vigil will take place at 8 p.m. June 3 at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills.

A crowdfunding page has been set up at GoFundMe  to help cover funeral expenses for those interested in helping.

Details: www.gofundme.com/vuxmz4, www.facebook.com/events/413130255555995
Venue: Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills

Suspected Gang Member Charged with Human Trafficking

LONG BEACH — On May 28, Leevi Matuni Maseuli was charged with human trafficking and causing bodily injury of woman, Long Beach Police Department officials said.

The suspect is suspected of forcing the woman to have sex for money and causing severe injuries, including traumatic injuries to her face for more than two months. If she did not make $500 a day, she was severely punished.

Maseuli was arrested May 21. The woman came to the attention of detectives on May 20. She was immediately taken to a local hospital and offered services.

Maseuli is being at the Men’s Central Jail on $225,000 bail.

His next court appearance is on June 12.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation should call: (562) 570-7219.