LOS ANGELES, CA – A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot by Los Angeles police officers during an exchange of gunfire on Thursday evening, authorities said.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m. near the intersection of Hooper Avenue and 92nd Street in South Los Angeles. Officers conducting a routine patrol spotted a male suspect spray-painting a wall and decided to investigate, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed.
As officers approached the suspect, a second male emerged, pulled out a handgun, and allegedly began firing at the officers. Authorities identified the gunman as a 15-year-old boy.
In response, officers quickly exited their vehicle and returned fire, striking the teenager, police said. Despite being wounded, the boy managed to flee the scene with the graffiti suspect in an awaiting vehicle driven by a third suspect.
The pursuit began immediately and led authorities through South Los Angeles into Compton, where the vehicle was eventually stopped and the suspects were taken into custody without further incident, police added.
The driver of the getaway vehicle was identified as 20-year-old Kevin Diaz, while the other two suspects, both 15 years old, have not been publicly identified due to their ages.
Following the arrest, police recovered a loaded .45-caliber handgun and a shotgun shell casing inside the vehicle, indicating the presence of additional firearms during the pursuit.
The wounded teenager was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition as of Thursday night. The other two suspects, including the graffiti vandal, were uninjured and were booked on suspicion of attempted murder on a police officer, officials said.
No officers were injured during the shootout, authorities confirmed.
The investigation remains active, and no further details have been released as police continue to process evidence and interview witnesses connected to the shooting.
