Fatal deputy-involved shooting in Altadena

ALTADENA -- A sheriff's deputy shot and killed a man late Friday who authorities said pulled a gun after fleeing from a traffic stop.

Stephen Bullock, 33, of Pomona died in the 11:26 p.m. shooting in the 900 block of East New York Drive, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner's Lt. Larry Dietz said.

Deputies pulled over a car for a traffic violation about 11:25 p.m. in the 900 block of East New York Drive, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.

"(Bullock) exited from the passenger side of the vehicle and ran away," Deputy Mark Pope said in a written statement.

A deputy chased Bullock briefly before he turned around and confronted the pursuing deputy, he said.

Bullock fought with the deputy for about two minutes before the altercation turned fatal, Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said.

"During the fight, the suspect reached into his waistband and pulled out a handgun. The deputy, fearing for his life, shot one time, killing the suspect," Pope said.

Bullocks handgun, which was recovered at the scene, was loaded, Corina added, and the deputy's quick response may have saved his life.

"The deputy shot first," he said.

Bullock was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The deputy was not injured.

Sheriff's officials did not release the name of the involved deputy Saturday, however Sgt. Debra Herman described him as a "seasoned deputy" with more than 10 years on the force.

The 44-year-old man that was driving the car that Bullock fled from was questioned by homicide detectives, Corina said. It was unclear Saturday if he would face charges.

According to Los Angeles County Superior Court records, Bullock has had numerous run-ins with the law since 1997, though only one conviction for a violent crime.

In addition to more than a dozen conviction for offenses such as drunken driving, driving without a license, obstructing police, giving a false name to police and damaging a jail cell over the past 13 years, Bullock was convicted of battery in January of 2001 in Pasadena Superior Court.