LOS ANGELES, CA – A domestic violence suspect armed with a gun in each hand was shot by Los Angeles police officers after a pursuit ended in the West Adams neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. The suspect, whose name has not been released, was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
An uninvolved woman in the area was also struck by gunfire, sustaining an injury to her arm. She was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive, according to an LAPD spokesperson.
Pursuit Begins in San Pedro
The incident began at approximately 12:17 p.m. when police received a report of a domestic violence suspect in a white Maserati. The suspect was reportedly following the alleged victim, who was riding on a city DASH bus in the San Pedro area.
Officers located the Maserati traveling on the northbound 110 Freeway and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. While the suspect initially pulled over, he sped off as officers approached, leading to a high-speed chase through the freeway and residential streets.
The pursuit ended in a residential area near West and Jefferson boulevards in West Adams, where the suspect pulled into a driveway behind an apartment building.
The suspect exited the vehicle and approached the street with a firearm in each hand, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a briefing.
“The suspect in the driveway pulled out two guns—one in each hand—and opened fire on the officers,” McDonnell stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
Investigators later found shell casings near the suspect, suggesting he fired multiple rounds. Officers also discharged their weapons multiple times.
“The suspect was on the ground. The officers went to his location, secured the firearms, administered aid, and requested a paramedic ambulance,” McDonnell said.
The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
During the exchange of gunfire, an uninvolved woman in the vicinity was struck by a stray bullet in her arm. Authorities have not disclosed further details about her identity but confirmed she was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.
Chief’s Statement
Chief McDonnell, recently appointed to lead the LAPD, commended the officers for their quick actions and noted the dangers police face daily.
“Thank God no officers were injured during this,” McDonnell said. “This shows just what our officers are facing out there every day—confronting a suspect who’s willing to do anything to try to get away.”
The incident is under investigation by the LAPD’s Force Investigation Division, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is also reviewing the case.
Further updates will be provided as more details emerge about the incident and the suspect’s condition.
