LOS ANGELES, CA — Police fatally shot a man who authorities say advanced toward them with an aluminum bat beneath the 10 Freeway on Wednesday evening.
Officers were called at about 6:25 p.m. to a gas station near Normandie Avenue and Washington Boulevard in West Adams following a report of an assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The caller told police that a man armed with a metal bat had smashed the windows of several vehicles and tried to strike people passing through the area.
As officers approached, an LAPD helicopter crew reported that the man was walking south on Normandie Avenue beneath the freeway, police said.
Officers found the man walking toward them while holding an aluminum bat in his right hand, according to the department. After getting out of their patrol vehicle, officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the bat, according to the LAPD.
Police said the man continued advancing, ignored the officers' commands and raised the bat with both hands as though preparing to swing.
At least one officer opened fire, striking the man once. He fell to the ground and dropped the bat, according to the LAPD.
Officers took him into custody and provided medical aid until Los Angeles Fire Department personnel arrived. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police recovered a 35-inch aluminum softball bat at the scene.
No officers or bystanders were injured, authorities said.
The man's name has not been released pending notification of his family.
The LAPD's Force Investigation Division is investigating the shooting.
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