LOS ANGELES – A man allegedly armed with a handgun was fatally shot by police Friday after LAPD officers chased a car to the downtown Los Angeles area, and a search was continuing for two other suspects, along with the vehicle.
The shooting occurred around 12:50 a.m. near a freeway overpass in the area of 16th Street and Maple Avenue, just north of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman told City News Service.
The wounded man was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said. He was not immediately identified.
According to the police, officers were patrolling near Manchester Avenue and Hoover Street when they saw a man with a handgun.
“The suspect ran into a vehicle that was occupied with two additional occupants,” police said. “The officers initiated a vehicle pursuit.”
The white Mercedes-Benz entered the northbound Harbor (110) Freeway and went onto the eastbound Santa Monica (10) Freeway, exiting on Maple Avenue, police said.
“Near the area of Maple Avenue and 16th Street, two occupants of the vehicle exited and ran,” police said. “Officers pursued one of the suspects, a male adult. The suspect ran underneath a bridge, (where) the suspect produced a firearm,” prompting officers to open fire.
“The suspect was stuck by gunfire. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The remaining two suspects and the vehicle are outstanding. One officer sustained an abrasion to the hand. A firearm is at scene and will be recovered and booked into evidence at a later time.”
One of the two suspects being sought was described only as a female. No information was available of other suspect.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call 877-LAPD-247.