EAST LOS ANGELES >> Deputies shot and killed a 29-year-old man they say reached for a handgun during a traffic stop in East Los Angeles early Sunday morning.
The suspect, whose name was not released, died at the scene of the deputy-involved shooting, which took place just after 4 a.m. at Ferris Avenue and Whittier Boulevard, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
Deputies stopped the car to investigate the possibility it was stolen, according to the statement. As deputies encountered the front passenger of the car, “he became combative with the deputies, and a struggle ensued.”
Deputies saw the suspect reaching for a gun, the statement said. “Deputies gave several commands for the suspect to comply with their orders, however the suspect continued to struggle and refused to eschew his motion for his weapon. This resulted in a deputy-involved shooting.”
A .22-caliber revolver was recovered at the scene, officials said.
Two additional people inside of the car were detained for further investigation.
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.