A man was killed and a sheriff’s deputy was wounded in a shootout with suspects in Compton during a pursuit that ended in Inglewood, where a gunman from the suspect vehicle allegedly fired shots at a sheriff’s helicopter and at least one other suspect — possibly armed with an assault rifle — is believed to be outstanding.
The shooting at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday was prompted by deputies pursuing a motorist suspected of reckless and/or driving under the influence. Shortly after the pursuit began, an occupant in the black Cadillac Escalade opened fire on deputies with an assault rifle at the corner of Spruce Street and Aranbe Avenue, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Information Bureau reported,
The chase continued through the area and into the 1900 block of 119th Street, where deputies reportedly again came under fire.
As the suspect vehicle was being followed by deputies and a sheriff’s helicopter into Inglewood, a suspect from the passenger side of the SUV allegedly fired several shots at the helicopter. It was unclear if the helicopter sustained any gunfire.
Officials said a deputy suffered graze wounds to his arm and shoulder during the pursuit. He was treated and released from an area hospital.
The pursuit finally ended in Inglewood near Manchester Boulevard and Inglewood Avenue, where the suspects abandoned the SUV and fled on foot. One suspect was apprehended, but it is believed at least one suspect is still outstanding and the assault rifle allegedly used in the shooting was not recovered from the Escalade, authorities said.
Deputies discovered a man down at the corner of Spruce Street and Aranbe Avenue. He had suffered several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was described a man in his 60s.
“At this point, it is unknown if the victim was shot by the suspect in the fleeing Escalade or if he was caught in the crossfire from the deputy-involved shooting,” the Sheriff’s Information Bureau said.
Sheriff’s homicide bureau detectives asked anyone with information regarding the pursuit or deputy-involved shooting to call 323-890-5500.