Suspect killed by sheriff's deputies in South Los Angeles

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A driver wanted on suspicion of DUI and reckless driving was shot and killed by authorities Monday night after allegedly driving his car toward a sheriff's deputy while trying to flee a narrow cul-de-sac in South Los Angeles.

The incident began shortly before midnight when sheriff's deputies attempted to pull the driver over near S. Vermont Avenue and W. Century Boulevard.

The suspect turned into a cul-de-sac near the 400 block of W. 111th Street and made a three-point turn, at which point a female passenger exited the vehicle.

"At the point when the vehicle came to a stop and made the turn towards the radio car, a female exited the vehicle and made some statement to the effect of, 'This guy is crazy,'" Lt. Victor Lewandowski said.

The suspect then accelerated and continued driving down the narrow cul-de-sac toward the passenger side of a patrol car where a deputy was standing.

The suspect then struck the patrol car. Fearing he would be hit or pinned by the suspect's car, the sheriff's deputy opened fire multiple times.

The suspect, identified as a 40-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff's deputy sustained minor injuries to his legs and wrist.

The female passenger in the vehicle, Sherri Lane, disputes the sheriff's department's version of events. Lane says the suspect never drove toward deputies.

"They pulled us over and we obeyed what they said, and they shot him anyway," Lane said.

The female passenger was being questioned but has been arrested, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Lane identified the suspect as her friend Tommy.