Suspect killed in police shooting near California Science Center
LOS ANGELES - A police shooting at the California Science Center parking lot left one suspect dead Thursday morning, triggering a security alert for the nearby University of Southern California (USC) campus.
What we know:
The incident began at approximately 9:40 a.m. when the Los Angeles Police Department received calls regarding a man armed with a rifle at 700 Exposition Park Drive.
A motorcycle cop spotted a man walking with a rifle and called for backup. Police ordered the man to drop the rifle but he constantly refused, the department said.
Witnesses watched as the first round of bullets hit the block base of a lamp post. Witness Stacy Hutchinson said she saw the suspect do something that felt intentional and ultimately, led to his death.
"As he has his hands up, he puts his hands down, he grabbed the gun. Big mistake. To me he was looking for trouble, I think he wanted to die," she said.
SkyFOX footage showed a long gun seemingly duct taped at the stock. LAPD confirmed that the suspect was shot by police and died at the scene.
No other injuries were reported.
Following the shooting, USC students and faculty received emergency alerts advising them to avoid the Exposition Park area. The police activity occurred right before the California Science Center opened to visitors. No civilians were in danger, police said.
Authorities identified the suspect on Friday as 39-year-old Holman Gomez. An air rifle was recovered.
What's next:
The shooting is under investigation by the LAPD's Force Investigation Division.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is expected to provide an identification and official cause of death in the coming days.
The Source: This report is based on information from the Los Angeles Police Department.