LAPD shoots Maserati driver after wild pursuit; Bystander injured

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

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

A passerby 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 was seen getting out of the white Maserati, walking toward the officers and then opening fire with two handguns. A firefight broke out.

Authorities say a police pursuit ended with a gun battle between Los Angeles police and the driver of a possibly stolen car.

(KTLA TV)

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

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

The chase went through Inglewood and into South L.A., where the Maserati drove onto the wrong side of the road, forcing drivers to swerve to avoid being hit, police said.

The chase ended around 1 p.m. when the driver pulled into the parking lot behind a home in West Adams. According to McDonnell, he walked down a driveway to the front of the building where the officers were stationed.

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

Officers then approached the suspect, recovered his firearm and rendered aid, he said. First responders loaded the suspect onto a stretcher and transported him to a hospital.

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

(KTLA TV)

Three women were also seen being led away in handcuffs by officers, but their connection to the pursuit was not immediately clear, according to KTLA.

Times staff writer Karen Garcia contributed to this report.