Off-duty officer witnesses drive-by shooting in San Pedro, suspect sought

SAN PEDRO, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- One man is dead after a drive-by shooting that later turned to an officer-involved gun battle in San Pedro early Saturday.

Police said someone in an SUV opened fire on a man at about 2:15 a.m. near 12th and Gaffey streets. The victim later died.

An off-duty Los Angeles police officer witnessed that shooting and took action. Sgt. Barry Montgomery of the LAPD said the off-duty cop followed the suspect for about a mile and simultaneously called 911.

Authorities said the officer reached the suspect at Santa Cruz Street and Cabrillo Avenue, where police said the suspect got out of his car and started firing at the officer.

Montgomery said the officer's vehicle was struck by gunfire and he shot back.

Neither were hit but police said the suspect got away.

Krystie Serrano lives at the shootout location and said she heard eight shots. Although they frightened her, Serrano admitted the sound is not uncommon.

"It's just something you have to live with, I guess, when you live in these areas," she said.

Authorities blocked off streets at both shooting locations while they investigated, and the closures affected neighbors coming in and out.

Jeffery Shapiro also lives near the second shooting location. He and his roommate just got back from a night away but were stopped by police. He said the news doesn't shock him.

The hunt was still on for the suspect in the deadly drive-by and shootout.

"This is obviously a very dangerous individual," Montgomery said. "That's why we really need the public's help in order to bring this person to justice."

Anyone with information was urged to contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.