Deputies open fire, kill man after dangerous pursuit in Southern California

Newly released footage shows authorities in pursuit of a carjacking suspect in East Los Angeles who rammed a patrol vehicle, other motorists and endangered pedestrians before deputies shot and killed the 19-year-old suspect last month.

Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of a carjacking on July 10 just before 2:30 p.m. in the 3800 block of Whittier Boulevard, according to a critical incident briefing released by the department.

The suspect, later identified as Luis Flores, was quickly located in a gray four-door Toyota Camry as he turned south on McDonnell Avenue from Whittier Boulevard.

Authorities then conducted a traffic stop on Flores, who pulled over. When they exited their vehicle, the 19-year-old reversed, rammed their patrol car and sped off.

Deputies initiated a pursuit after Flores failed to yield and got on the 710 Freeway where he quickly hit traffic and was forced to stop. Refusing orders to exit the car, the 19-year-old hit several motorists’ vehicles and fled yet again.

Authorities say that as Flores drove through the California State University, Los Angeles campus, they observed him “reaching inside the car.”

The pursuit continued through downtown L.A. where the man ran several red lights and pedestrian crossings and rammed additional motorists on Arcadia Street near North Spring Street before continuing the chase, officials said.

About 20 minutes after the pursuit began, Flores tried to avoid traffic by driving onto a sidewalk where he crashed into a pole.

Footage shows deputies using their patrol vehicle to box in the 19-year-old, who put the car in reverse and accelerated, sending up smoke as the tires spun on the asphalt. Even as the tires were spinning, Flores could be seen with his hand raised out of the window while he looked toward deputies at the rear of the vehicle.

That’s when the footage shows five rounds piercing the windshield of the gray sedan, striking the 19-year-old.

Authorities say deputies removed Flores from the stolen vehicle and attempted life-saving measures until he was transported to the hospital by medical personnel with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The 19-year-old succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased on July 16.

No other injuries to citizens or deputies occurred during the incident.

The California Department of Justice’s Division of Law Enforcement has assumed the investigation into the lethal use of force and will submit its finding to the attorney general’s office for review.

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