Man Wanted In Suspected Hit-And-Run Arrested Outside LAX

LOS ANGELES, CA -- A 41-year-old man who had a loaded handgun inside his vehicle and was accused of being involved in a hit-and-run crash near Los Angeles International Airport was arrested Sunday outside Terminal 2 when he allegedly resisted police questioning.

The incident began about 8:45 a.m., when Los Angeles Airport police officers were flagged down in front of Terminal 2 regarding a hit-and-run accident that took place on northbound Sepulveda Boulevard in the tunnel south of Century Boulevard, according to the department.

Officers located a suspect in the hit-and-run who was identified as Faaliga Fuiava of Watts sitting in a white Chevrolet Avalanche at the curb outside Terminal 2, according to the department.

As a safety precaution, officers removed Fuiava from his vehicle. Fuiava allegedly became aggressive towards police during questioning and tried to get back into his Avalanche. Officers forced Fuiava to the ground and then took him into custody, according to the department.

A 12-year-old child who was inside the Chevrolet told officers there was a loaded handgun in the car. Police found a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol in the center console, according to the department.

Fuiava was then arrested for alleged possession of a stolen gun, outstanding warrants, child endangerment and resisting arrest.

Fuiava was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries he suffered in the police takedown and was going to be booked at the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division Jail, according to the department.

-- City News Service, photo via Shutterstock