Horrifying High Speed Chase Roars From Fwys Onto LB Streets, Ending At Redondo/Anaheim With Suspect Exiting Car Armed With Handgun; Police Open Fire, Killing Suspect

On Wednesday, May 11, 2005, at approximately 5:42 p.m., officers shot and killed an armed suspect that was driving a stolen vehicle that was taken during a residential robbery that occurred in Riverside County on May 9, 2005.

An Auto Theft Detective in an unmarked police vehicle was on an unrelated surveillance in the area of 21st Street and Olive Avenue, when the suspect vehicle, a blue 1996 Buick Regal drove by. The detective ran the suspect’s license plate as he drove by and discovered the vehicle had been stolen in the robbery. The detective requested back-up and continued to follow the suspect’s vehicle. As the back-up units began arriving, the suspect fled at a high rate of speed and a pursuit was initiated.

The suspect traveled on both surface streets and on the freeway driving through several cities that included Carson, Torrance, San Pedro and Wilmington. The suspect was attempting to exit the 110 Harbor Freeway at the Pacific Coast Highway, when he crashed into the off-ramp’s guardrail. He stalled momentarily until driving off and re-entering the City of Long Beach.

The suspect continued driving eastbound on Anaheim Street until stopping his vehicle on Anaheim Street, just east of Redondo Avenue in a shopping center parking lot. The suspect then exited his vehicle, holding a handgun in his hand and began running towards the businesses. Officers, fearing for their safety and the safety of others, fired at the suspect striking him multiple times. As the suspect was being struck by gunfire, he dropped the handgun and immediately began reaching into his pocket for what was later learned to be a second handgun. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect is only being identified as a male Hispanic in his late 30’s at this time. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office will determine the suspect’s identity.