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This is the first conviction in an officer-involved shooting in 20 years in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that a former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was convicted in the 2019 on-duty fatal shooting of an unarmed man, Ryan Twyman, in his vehicle in the city of Willowbrook.

“Today, justice has been served for Mr. Twyman’s family who have spent years mourning the loss of their loved one,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This verdict reflects my office’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their profession, is held accountable for their actions.

I would like to commend the dedicated efforts of my office’s Justice System Integrity Division who worked tirelessly to prosecute this case. This conviction sends a strong message that no one is above the law. Our aim is not to undermine the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who serve our communities. However, accountability is paramount to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the principles of justice are upheld.”

Andrew Lyons (dob 5/10/84) pleaded no contest in case BA503497 to one felony count of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and one count of assault under the color of authority.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter accepted the defendant’s plea.

Lyons is expected to be sentenced to two-years’ formal probation; the maximum term allowed by law. As a condition of his probation, Lyons will serve 30 days in county jail, voluntarily surrender his POST certification, and pay all fines and fees.

On June 6, 2019, Lyons and another sheriff’s deputy responded to an apartment complex in Willowbrook. Both deputies exited their vehicle and approached a parked vehicle where 24-year-old Ryan Twyman was sitting in the driver’s seat.

Twyman put the car in reverse and both deputies opened fire. The car came to a stop nearby.

Lyons then retrieved his semiautomatic assault rifle and shot into the vehicle after it stopped moving. Twyman was killed and his passenger was uninjured.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.