Fullerton police fatally shoot driver after high-speed chase

An investigation was underway Tuesday into the fatal shooting by Fullerton police of a driver who led them on a high-speed chase from Orange County to Bellflower.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s homicide detectives were investigating the 3 a.m. shooting near Palo Verde Avenue and Artesia Boulevard. 

L.A. County Sheriff’s Lt. Dave Coleman told reporters in a news conference that Fullerton police initially tried to stop the motorist for driving erratically. He refused to stop and led police on a chase that lasted about 20 minutes on freeways and neighborhood streets at high speeds.

The driver, who has not been identified, was shot in Bellflower after he drove onto a dead-end street and then tried to run over several officers in an attempt to escape.

“He was backing up at high speed toward the officers,” Coleman said.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured in the incident, he said.

ALSO:

2nd person dies of rodent-borne disease contracted at Yosemite

Tony Scott death investigation won't be complete for another month

California earthquake swarm enters third day; hundreds of temblors

-- Rebecca Trounson

Photo: Investigators at the scene of a fatal officer-involved shooting in Bellflower after a driver led police on a chase from Fullerton to Bellflower early Tuesday morning. Authorities said officers opened fire on the suspect when he tried to run them over. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times