Man fatally shot by deputies following fight in East L.A.

LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) - An altercation between an alleged armed man and Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies led to a fatal shooting late Thursday night, said officials.

The deputy-involved shooting occurred in a residential area located in the 500 block of Gerhart Avenue near the intersection of Beverly Boulevard in East L.A. just after 11 p.m.

Deputies stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation when an altercation ensued with the passenger, said authorities. The exchange turned violent when the man was shot in the upper torso.

SkyFOX captured aerial footage of paramedics performing live-saving efforts on the man shot by deptuties. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

A woman who claimed to be the sister of the man killed identified him as 18-year-old Paul Rea. She said he was not a gang member and did not deserve to die this way.

A Sheriff's department spokesperson says a gun was recovered from the area, but it is unclear if Rea ever fired that weapon.

A resident and witness, who asked not to be identified, says she was woken up by sirens. The witness said she saw deputies demand the Rea and the driver exit the vehicle. The driver complied and was placed in a patrol car, but the passenger stayed put, she said.

The name of the driver was not immediately released by authorities.

That witness says she then heard four or five gunshots, followed by cries from the driver who had been detained asking, "Why did you shoot him?" and added "I love you." Police say the driver was detained for questioning.

The deputy involved in the shooting was treated for minor injuries.

Detectives spent Friday morning canvassing for witnesses and any possible surveillance video as the investigation continues.