HACIENDA HEIGHTS >> Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed an armed man in Hacienda Heights late Thursday after he fled from police in Downey earlier in the day, officials said.
The incident unfolded about 10:50 p.m. in the 15600 block of Windrush Drive, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
Prior to the fatal shooting, Downey police officers responded to a disturbance in their city about 1 p.m., according to deputy Trina Schrader of the sheriff’s Information Bureau. Someone reported a person was armed with both a knife and a gun and was threatening to kill family members.
When officers arrived, the suspect fled on a motorcycle, initiating a chase. The fleeing suspect managed to escape police on the southbound 5 Freeway, Schrader said.
Police learned the suspect’s identity and his home address in Hacienda Heights as the chase continued, officials said.
An unmarked police vehicle watched the home on Windrush Drive and saw the suspect walk toward the residence, officials said. When officers approached the man, he warned the officers he was armed with a gun.
“The suspect began to reach for the handgun that was in his pocket. The deputies deployed less-than-lethal weapons in a continued effort to gain compliance,” Schrader said. “The suspect armed himself with the handgun, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred.”
Paramedics pronounced the suspect dead at the scene.
His identity was not available pending notification of family members, Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said. He was described as a man in his 60s.
Investigators recovered the suspect’s handgun, Schrader said. No deputies were hurt.
Anyone with information can reach the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.