(May 18, 2008) -- LBPD says multiple NLB neighborhood calls regarding a man behaving violently and erratically brought two responding officers into a physical altercation with the man in which use of their batons proved ineffective, and with both officers in fear for their lives, one officer -- LBPD says to protect himself and the life of his partner -- fired several times at the man...causing wounds from which the man did not survive.

Following the shooting, LBPD says hostile crowd of about 40 people yelled and threatened the officers, and officers believed the crowd was going to turn on them until additional officers arrived (including L.A. Sheriffs requested by LBPD) enabled officers to take control of the situation and secure the scene.

In a release, LBPD describes the events in the area of 67th St. just south of 91 freeway between Paramount and Downey Aves. as follows:

On Saturday, May 17, 2008, at approximately 7:00 p.m., an officer involved shooting occurred in the 3400 block of East 67th Street.

The preliminary investigation revealed that two Long Beach Police officers responded to multiple calls from residents in the area regarding a man behaving violently and erratic. Shortly after officers arrived on scene and located the man, a physical altercation occurred. The officers, in an attempt to gain control of the suspect, utilized their batons, which were ineffective. During the ongoing physical confrontation, the officers feared for their lives. To protect himself and the life of his partner, one of the officers fired his weapon at the suspect. The suspect was struck multiple times in the torso and transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

Pending notification of family, the suspect is only being identified as a 46-year-old male Samoan of Long Beach. It is possible, based on the suspect's appearance and behavior, that he was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, however, that will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Shortly after the altercation, officers were confronted by a hostile crowd of approximately 40 individuals from the area. The subjects began yelling and threatening the officers, and the officers believed the large crowd was going to turn on them. Once additional units arrived, the officers were able to take control of the situation and secure the scene

In addition to the LBPD's ongoing investigation, the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office is also conducting an independent investigation, which is routine for all "hit" officer involved shootings in L.A. County.

Anyone with information about what took place is urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Bryan McMahon and Patrick O’Dowd at (562) 570-7244.