LAPD patrol car kills pedestrian in Valley Glen while responding to chaotic Halloween party

Key points

• A 32-year-old woman was struck and killed by an LAPD patrol car near Woodman Avenue and Bessemer Street in Valley Glen at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
• The patrol car was responding to a 'shots fired' call at a Halloween house party on Weddington Street in Sherman Oaks, which had gathered a crowd of approximately 300 people.
• The vehicle had its emergency lights and siren activated during the collision, according to ABC7 and KTLA.
• The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles firefighters; no officers were injured in the crash.
• The LAPD’s Multidisciplinary Collision Investigation Team is investigating the incident, and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner will release the victim’s identity after notifying her family.

Background

This incident follows a series of fatal shootings and violent incidents in the Los Angeles area during October 2026, including a targeted shooting at a Spirit Halloween store in Fairfield and multiple shootings at private parties in Northridge. The LAPD has been responding to numerous calls involving large crowds and potential violence in the San Fernando Valley during this period.

How outlets are covering it

The Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Daily News report that the patrol car was responding to a 'shots fired' call at a Halloween party in Sherman Oaks, with ABC7 and KTLA confirming the emergency lights and siren were activated. CBS News reports the incident as a collision with a pedestrian near the party but does not specify the nature of the call. The Los Angeles Daily News notes that LAPD spokesman Officer Tony Im initially did not confirm whether the lights and siren were on or if the victim was in a crosswalk, while ABC7 and KTLA cite LAPD sources confirming these details. CBS News reports the victim as 33 years old, while the Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Daily News report her as 32 years old.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks associated with police response to large, chaotic gatherings, particularly during high-traffic events like Halloween. It also raises questions about the safety of pedestrians in areas with heavy police activity and the effectiveness of emergency response protocols in crowded environments.

What to watch

The LAPD’s Multidisciplinary Collision Investigation Team will continue its investigation into the circumstances of the collision. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner will release the victim’s identity after notifying her family. The LAPD may also review its protocols for responding to large gatherings and ensuring pedestrian safety in such situations.