Suspect Involved in Chase and Stand-Off Dies

A man who allegedly brandished a weapon at a sheriff's deputy and then led law enforcement on a chase through Long Beach and into Paramount died at a hospital this morning after being shot by SWAT team members at the end of a four-hour standoff, authorities said.

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 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 early until just after 3 a.m., when sheriff's SWAT team members fired shots at the SUV, wounding the man, according to a witness at the scene.

The suspect, in his 20s, was taken to a hospital, where he died at 3:41 a.m., coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter said. The suspect's name was withheld, pending notification of kin.

No deputies were injured, Gomez said.

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

-- City News Service