LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities on Wednesday revealed details about the police shooting that shut down the 210 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley for hours on Tuesday.
Th incident began at around 12:45 p.m. when officers from the Mission Area Narcotics Enforcement Detail requested backup after spotting a suspect wanted on outstanding warrants, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
When officers approached the suspect, Jason Vega, he fled on foot on the embankment of the eastbound 210 Freeway in the Sylmar area, police said.
"Vega then ran across the 210 freeway where he attempted to carjack a pickup truck that was
traveling west on the freeway," police said.
Police approached Vega again, who was armed with a handgun. Vega declined to abide by officers' commands to drop the gun. One or more officers then opened fire at the suspect, police said.
"Vega fell to the ground, disregarded officer’s commands, and moved toward his firearm. The officers used an intermediate force option to gain compliance from Vega and he was taken into custody," police said.
Vega was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated before being cleared for booking, police said.
Officers recovered a Glock Model 22 40-caliber handgun at the scene and booked it into evidence, police said.
No other injuries were reported.
The LAPD's Force Investigation Division is investigating the shooting, police said.
The westbound 210 was shut down for hours at Polk Street following the shooting, leading to severe traffic backups in the Valley.
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