Officials with the Long Beach Police Department said an officer investigating a report of a gang fight was pursuing the man when the suspect's actions caused him to fear for his safety and the shooting occurred.
Authorities said the officer, a 13-year veteran of the force, was dispatched to the Superior market parking lot near 10th Street and Long Beach Boulevard about 8 p.m. Friday to investigate a shooting during a fight between gang members.
As the officer drove toward a car where he believed the gunshot victim was seated, he noticed two males walking toward the vehicle. The two males saw the officer approaching and ran from the scene.
According to officials, during the pursuit, the officer feared for his safety and opened fire on the suspect, shooting him once in the upper torso. The man, a Long Beach resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.
No weapon was found on the man. However, a knife was recovered in the path of his flight. It's unknown if the knife found was related to the incident.
During the course of the investigation that followed, two stabbing victims were transported to a local hospital where they were listed in stable condition.
A search warrant was served later at a nearby residence, related to the gang fight, and one man was arrested for his role in the stabbings and a parole violation.
In addition to the Long Beach Police Department's investigation, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is also conducting an independent investigation, as is routine for all officer-involved shootings that occur in Los Angeles County.
