GARDENA, CA — Gardena police officers shot and killed a man who allegedly armed himself with a gun and fired at them during a traffic stop, authorities said Saturday.
It happened shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, when the Gardena Police Department stopped a motorist for a vehicle code violation in the 2100 block of West Rosecrans Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which is investigating the fatal shooting per protocol.
"The officer contacted the sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as an adult Black male, and immediately observed a firearm inside the vehicle within the male's reach," the LASD said. "The officer issued multiple commands directing the male not to reach for the firearm. Despite those commands, the male armed himself with the firearm, exited the vehicle, and fired at officers. An officer-involved shooting then occurred.
"The male was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground. Officers along with responding paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department rendered medical aid to the male."
The man was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
No officers or others were injured and a handgun was found at the scene, sheriff's officials said.
— City News Service
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