A 45-year-old man fatally shot by police after allegedly firing gunshots near officers conducting a traffic stop in the Manchester Square area was identified Thursday.
Michael Edward Meadows died in the shooting that occurred at about 12:50 a.m. Wednesday near Florence and Western avenues, according to the county Medical Examiner’s office and Los Angeles Police Department.
“Officers were conducting a traffic stop for a red-light violation in the area of Western Avenue and Florence Avenue when officers heard and saw a male fire several shots,” police said in a statement several hours after the shooting.
“Officers returned fire (and) the suspect … was struck by gunfire,” police said. “The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and pronounced the suspect deceased at scene. A firearm — a ghost gun — was recovered at scene and will later be booked as evidence. Who the suspect’s intended target (was) is under investigation.”
Police had earlier said that as the officers were conducting the traffic stop, the suspect approached them on foot and opened fire on them, prompting them to return fire.
No officers were injured during the shooting.
During the investigation, officers discovered an illegal marijuana dispensary, police said, adding that approximately six people inside the dispensary were detained and transported to the LAPD’s 77th Street station.
The investigation was ongoing.