Name of Deceased Paramount Chase Suspect Revealed

A man who reportedly brandished a weapon at a sheriff's deputy, led law enforcement on a chase through Long Beach and into Paramount, held officers at bay in a four-hour standoff and was fatally shot by SWAT team members was identified today by the coroner's office.

Carlos Saenz, 27, of Paramount died Friday from multiple gunshot wounds, said coroner's Lt. Joe Bale.

It was unclear where the alleged weapon offense occurred, but the chase began at about 10:55 p.m. Thursday, Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputy Don Walker said.

The man now identified as Saenz drove west on the Artesia (91) Freeway in Long Beach, exited at Cherry Avenue and then headed north into Paramount, where he appeared to intentionally steer the SUV he was driving into a tree in the 7400 block of Jackson Street just west of Garfield Avenue, according to live broadcasts of the pursuit.

He remained barricaded in the vehicle until just after 3 a.m. Friday, when sheriff's SWAT team members fired shots at the SUV, wounding him, according to a witness at the scene.

Saenz was taken to a hospital, where he died, authorities said.

No deputies were injured, authorities said.

A handgun belonging to the suspect was recovered at the scene, authorities said.

-- City News Service