L.A. police shoot armed Maserati driver following wild pursuit

The driver of a Maserati was shot multiple times by Los Angeles police after opening fire on officers Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. The incident began as a domestic violence call and turned into a police chase that turned into a shootout.

The shooting occurred near the 3000 block of West Boulevard in West Adams, police said. The suspect was transported to a hospital.

A female bystander was shot in the arm and also taken to a hospital, according to Police Chief Jim McDonnell, who described her injury as non-life-threatening at a news conference Tuesday. It was unclear whether she was shot by police or the suspect.

In video captured by a KTLA-TV news helicopter, a gunman could be seen exiting the white Maserati, walking toward officers and then opening fire with two handguns. A gun battle ensued.

A police pursuit ended with a gun battle between L.A. police and the driver of a possibly stolen car, according to authorities.

(KTLA-TV)

The LAPD responded to a call for assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence at Gaffey and 19th streets in San Pedro at 12:17 p.m., McDonnell said. The call described the victim as a Dash bus driver who was being followed by a 38-year-old male in a white Maserati, police said.

Officers pulled the suspect over on the northbound 110 Freeway and exited their vehicle to investigate, McDonnell said. The driver then sped off, prompting a police pursuit.

The chase cut through Inglewood into South L.A., where the Maserati crossed over to the wrong side of a street, forcing drivers to swerve to avoid being hit, police said.

The chase ended around 1 p.m. when the driver stopped in the parking lot at the rear of an apartment building in West Adams. He walked down a driveway toward the front of the building, where officers were staged, according to McDonnell.

“The suspect in the driveway pulled out two guns, one in each hand, and opened fire on the officers,� McDonnell said. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect was on the ground.�

Officers then approached the suspect, secured his firearm and administered aid, he said. First responders loaded the suspect onto a gurney and transported him to a hospital.

The confrontation between police and the suspect took place around 1 p.m.

(KTLA-TV)

Three women could also be seen being taken away in handcuffs by officers, but their connection to the pursuit wasn’t immediately clear, according to KTLA.

Times staff writer Karen Garcia contributed to this report.