A suspect who was shot by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies in Lancaster is in critical condition Thursday after he allegedly pointed a rifle at deputies prior to the shooting, authorities say.
The suspect was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital where he was in critical condition.
Deputies responded at 9:32 p.m. Wednesday to the 500 block of West Avenue J-12 regarding a known criminal threats suspect who was seated in front of the victim’s location, according to Deputy Tracy Koerner of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.
When deputies attempted to contact the suspect they noticed that he was holding a rifle, Koerner said. He became uncooperative, barricaded himself inside the vehicle and deputies tried to negotiate his surrender for approximately an hour and a half.
During the negotiation, at approximately 11:10 p.m., the suspect allegedly pointed the rifle at the deputies who then opened fire on him, Koerner said.
No deputies were injured and a rifle was recovered at the scene.
Anyone with information about this shooting is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.
