Female pursuit suspect shot dead at Gardena strip mall
Pursuit suspect shot dead in Gardena
An investigation continues after a female pursuit suspect was shot dead at a strip mall in Gardena overnight.
GARDENA, Calif. - Authorities are investigating a deadly police shooting that occurred when a pursuit came to an end at a strip mall in Gardena overnight.
Shots fired at a Gardena strip mall
What we know:
The shooting was reported around 1:40 a.m. at a strip mall located at the intersection of Rosecrans and Van Ness avenues.
Officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the suspects, both women, led police on a short vehicle pursuit that ended in the parking lot, where Gardena police officers did a PIT maneuver and stopped the suspects' vehicle.
A nearby witness to the shooting said he heard as many as six shots after the driver led Gardena police officers into the strip mall parking lot.
"They crashed her car and boxed her in. 15 to 20 minutes later, they broke the window and two to three minutes after that they shot her," said John, who only gave his first name.
Also, a patrol vehicle from the Gardena Police Department was seen facing a white Kia Soul, which had numerous bullet holes in the body and windshield.
A short standoff ensued, during which the driver allegedly produced a firearm, prompting police to open fire.
One of the suspects was declared dead at the scene. Video showed a deceased victim in the parking lot along the driver’s side of the vehicle.
No officers were hurt in the incident.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is assisting Gardena Police in the investigation.
What we don't know:
Police have not confirmed any details regarding a pursuit prior to the shooting or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Source: Information from the Gardena Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. City News Service contributed.