Suspect fatally shot by sheriff's deputies near Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON NORTH, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect who claimed he was armed was fatally shot by Orange County sheriff's deputies in the Camp Pendleton area Tuesday afternoon.

The suspect allegedly pulled up to a deputy conducting a traffic stop on another driver on the southbound Las Pulgas Road exit off the 5 Freeway at about 12:30 p.m., and said he had committed a crime and that he was armed.

The officer called for backup, prompting a response from fellow Orange County sheriff's deputies, Border Patrol and the California Highway Patrol, CHP Officer Chris Parent said.

The suspect parked his vehicle near the offramp and barricaded himself inside his car for nearly an hour before getting out and approaching deputies in a threatening manner, authorities said.

Sheriff's deputies opened fire on the man shortly before 1:30 p.m., according to Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Responding paramedics performed CPR to no avail. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. It's unclear what crime, if any, he committed before the deputy-involved shooting took place.

The southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway were temporarily closed in the area, but have since reopened.

KGTV contributed to this report.