(July 31, 2003, updated 6:15 p.m. from 1:15 p.m. initial post) -- LBPD says an officer fatally shot a suspect during an altercaton that occurred in the course of the officer's investigation of an attempted robbery...in which the suspect had tried to rob an elderly neighbor.

LBPD spokesman Harry Erickson says an officer was dispatched at roughly 10:48 a.m. in response to a battery/assault type call involving an altercation between two people in the 2600 block of E. Anaheim St. (one block west of Temple Ave.)

LBPD says it appears a 43-year old man of mideast descent tried to rob a neighbor, a 72-year old man. The robbery victim resisted, ran to a nearby appartment and asked to call the police.

LBPD says that on arrival, the officer was directed to an upstairs apartment where the suspect possibly lived; the officer went upstairs to investigate.

In a written release, LBPD says the suspect and officer became involved in an altercation during which the suspect tried to overpower the officer. Fearing for his safety and in defense of his life, the officer fired one shot from his duty weapon, hitting the suspect.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he expired. The officer sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The elderly robbery victim also sustained minor injuries as a result of the suspect's attempted robbery.

As in all officer-involved shootings,, LBPD Homicide Detectives and the L.A. County District Attorney's office will conduct independent investigations.

LBPD asks anyone with information concerning the events to call Homicide Detectives Brian McMahon or Dave Rios at (562) 570-7244.