Authorities received several 911 calls at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday about a man driving erratically, possibly under the influence of alcohol.
The suspect was pulled over by a deputy in the 1300 block of Long Beach Boulevard. Lt. Eddie Hernandez with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the suspect was initially cooperative, but he later became combative.
Hernandez said the suspect attempted to grab the deputy's gun, and a struggle ensued. At one point during the struggle, the suspect allegedly bit the deputy's left arm, and the deputy shot the suspect, killing him.
Three shots were fired, and no other suspects were involved. The officer was treated at an area hospital and released. He is expected to be OK.
A witness who did not want to be named said she didn't hear any sounds of a struggle.
"It's unjustified. I just don't think it's right," said the witness.
The names of the suspect and deputy were not immediately released. The suspect was described as a man in his 40s, and detectives say he was unarmed.
The District Attorney's Office will determine if the shooting was justified. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Internal Affairs Bureau is also investigating the incident.
Investigators are looking for witnesses. If you know anything about this case, you're urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
