LOS ANGELES, CA – A tense police pursuit through Los Angeles streets reached a harrowing climax on Thursday, resulting in a shootout that left two people injured. The chase, involving a suspect accused of domestic violence, concluded in gunfire after the suspect reportedly shot at police officers.
The West Adams neighborhood was the backdrop for the chase’s conclusion, with residents like Jenny Kimball witnessing the unfolding drama. “It was surreal,” Kimball described, as the suspect exited his car and raised his arms before shots rang out.
Police reported that the suspect, armed with two guns, fired upon the officers, prompting them to return fire and injure the suspect. The suspect’s parents, residing nearby, refrained from speaking about the incident.
The pursuit was initiated following a distress call from a female bus driver, who reported being followed by a white Maserati. The suspect was believed to be armed, leading LAPD to attempt a traffic stop. Instead, the suspect fled, sparking a dangerous chase through city streets.
The suspect’s reckless driving saw him veer onto sidewalks and against oncoming traffic, narrowly missing pedestrians. The chase spanned several city blocks, forcing a large truck to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid impact.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic scene, marked by the sound of helicopters hovering above. “The noise was deafening,” one resident remarked, capturing the intensity of the situation.
Amid the chaos, a bystander was caught in the crossfire. Police confirmed a woman sustained a gunshot wound to her arm during the incident. She is currently in stable condition and expected to recover fully.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell addressed concerns regarding the use of force, stating that the threat level necessitated a lethal response. “When faced with a deadly weapon, officers must act accordingly,” he asserted.
The 37-year-old suspect, who remains hospitalized, is under investigation as authorities work to unravel the sequence of events leading to the shootout.