105 Freeway reopens in Paramount after shootout involving homicide suspect, CHP and LASD deputies
PARAMOUNT, Calif. (KABC) -- All lanes on the 105 Freeway reopened after a shootout Tuesday morning involving the California Highway Patrol, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department and an armed suspect in a stolen vehicle, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 6:50 a.m. on a transition road from the northbound 710 Freeway to the 105 in Paramount after a CHP unit stopped to help a disabled vehicle and realized the occupant was wanted for a homicide, the Highway Patrol said.
CHP said the driver exited the vehicle and the shooting began. It's unclear which agency fired the fatal shots, who fired first and how many shots were fired.
After the exchange of gunfire, firefighter-paramedics were seen performing chest compressions on the wounded suspect, who was then placed in an ambulance, authorities said.
A CHP officer was hit by a piece of shrapnel. Authorities initially said the officer suffered a graze wound to the head. The officer did not have to be transported and is expected to recover.
According to the sheriff's department, the suspect was rushed to the hospital where he later died due to his injuries. The suspect was identified as Jesse Medrano, 35, who was wanted for the shooting death of a 61-year-old man and for shooting two other family members Sunday, according to LAPD.
A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department SWAT team was also summoned to the scene. Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions as the incident unfolded amid the morning commute.
All lanes were later reopened, while the transition road remained shut down as the investigation continued.
Investigators say two separate investigations will be conducted for the two agencies.
