LBPD Readying Traffic Stop Atlantic Ave./51st St. Results In Driver Who Allegedly Exits Vehicle, Walks Away Seemingly About To Run And Produces Handgun; Officer Involved Shooting Occurs; Suspect Is Wounded, Expected To Survive

The result was an officer-involed shooting in which the suspect was wounded and is expected to survive. LBPD identifies him in a release only as a 26 year old Long Beach resident [name not indicated in release; LBPD cites its ongoing investigation] who's now facing PD charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, an ex-felon with a firearm and gang enhancements.

In its release, LBPD says:

On Thursday, May 17, 2012, at approximately 11:55 p.m., an officer involved shooting occurred in North Long Beach when a Long Beach police officer attempted to stop a speeding vehicle and the driver produced a handgun.

The preliminary investigation revealed the officer was driving his patrol vehicle when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in the area of Atlantic Avenue and E. 51st Street. The officer was preparing to initiate a traffic stop when the driver stopped, suddenly exited his vehicle, and began to walk away. The officer ordered the driver, who acted as if he was going to run, to stop. Without warning, the suspect produced a handgun. The officer was forced to protect himself and an officer involved shooting occurred. There were no other occupants in the suspect's vehicle.

The officer immediately notified the Police Communications Center that he was involved in a shooting and requested medical assistance for the suspect. Long Beach Fire personnel responded and transported the suspect, who sustained gunshot injuries to his lower torso, to a local hospital. He was listed in stable condition, remains hospitalized, and is expected to survive. The suspect, who at this time is only being identified as a 26-year-old Long Beach resident, is in custody and is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, ex-felon with a firearm, and gang enhancements.

In addition to the Long Beach Police Department’s ongoing investigation, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is also conducting an independent investigation, as is routine with all officer-involved hit shootings that occur in Los Angeles County.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detectives Terri Hubert and Mark Bigel at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via text or web by visiting www.tipsoft.com.