LAPD fatally shoots ax-wielding suspect in Pacoima; stabbing victim, 2 officers hospitalized
PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police shot and killed a pickax-wielding suspect late Tuesday evening in Pacoima after a victim was stabbed and two officers were injured, authorities said.
The incident occurred about 11:45 p.m. near the intersection of Telfair Avenue and Paxton Street, where officers responded to a report of a stabbing, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The victim was rushed to a hospital in serious but stable condition as authorities confronted the suspect, initially firing beanbags in an effort to subdue him. According to news video, the man was apparently unfazed by the less-than-lethal rounds; he was seen smoking a cigarette and throwing objects at the officers. At one point, the suspect climbed onto a rooftop.
"That suspect eventually tried to gain entry into a rear residence at which time an officer-involved shooting occurred," said LAPD Lt. Chris Ramirez.
He was then struck by police gunfire and transported to a medical center, where he was pronounced dead. His name was not immediately disclosed.
Two officers were injured in the encounter and hospitalized in stable condition. One of them was later released.
It's unclear what prompted the stabbing. Police are continuing their investigation, interviewing witnesses and collecting every piece of evidence as they piece together how the events unfolded.
