Los Angeles police are alleging Saturday that a man was shot to death by his own handgun when he attempted to point it but was stopped by an officer during a traffic stop.
The shooting was reported at 11:04 p.m. Friday at 74th Street and Central Avenue, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Matthew Cruz told City News Service.
A Newton Division patrol officer made the stop, he said. The officer’s name was not disclosed.
“During the course of the traffic stop, a gun was observed,” Cruz said. “The officer attempted to stop the suspect from pointing the gun and the suspect was struck by gunfire from his own gun.”
Paramedics took the wounded suspect to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Cruz said.
The man’s name was withheld pending notification of relatives.
The shooting was under investigation, Cruz said. No officers were injured.