14-Year-Old Girl Killed By Stray Police Bullet In LA Dressing Room Identified

A 14-year-old girl who was killed by a stray police bullet in a dressing room of a Los Angeles clothing store Thursday has been identified by the local coroner.

The teenage girl was shot inside a Burlington store in North Hollywood Thursday as officers opened fire on a suspect who assaulted a woman earlier, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

The girl was identified by the Los Angeles County coroner Friday as Valentina Orellana Peralta, CBS Los Angeles reported. The name of the male suspect, who was also killed, has not yet been released.

No further details were provided regarding the teen's cause of death. But police said Thursday that they believe Peralta was struck by one of the rounds fired by officers at the suspect that passed through a dressing room wall.

"This chaotic incident resulting in the death of an innocent child is tragic and devastating for everyone involved," Police Chief Michel Moore said in a statement. "I am profoundly sorry for the loss of this young girl’s life and I know there are no words that can relieve the unimaginable pain for the family."

"My commitment is to conduct a thorough, complete and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led up to this tragedy and provide the family and public with as much information as possible," he continued.

Police responded to the Burlington store shortly before noon Thursday for reports of an assault with a deadly weapon, Los Angeles police said.

Officers received multiple radio calls from the location that there was a possible shooting in progress and people were sheltering in place, according to LAPD.

While searching for the suspect, officers encountered an individual who was in the process of assaulting another, and an officer opened fire, LAPD Captain Stacy Spell said during a news briefing. The male suspect was shot by police and declared dead at the scene.

The unidentified woman who was assaulted by the suspect was taken to the hospital with moderate to serious injuries, including wounds to her head, arms and face, according to authorities.

When officers searched the store for other suspects and victims, they found the 14-year-old girl shot, and she was also pronounced dead at the scene.

Peralta was with her mother in the store trying on dresses for a quinceañera when she was struck by a stray bullet.

Investigators found a heavy steel or metal cable lock they believe was used to hit the assault victim, but no gun from the suspect was recovered.

An investigation has been launched into the incident. Moore ordered the release of evidence, including 911 calls, radio transmissions and body camera footage, by Monday.

The police officer who opened fire has been placed on paid administrative leave.

The California Department of Justice was investigating the shooting, Attorney General Rob Bonta said.