Long Beach, California – Long Beach police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred during a home invasion robbery involving a suspect armed with a replica gun. The incident, which took place on Friday night, unfolded in the 6800 block of Cerritos Ave.

The Incident

Responding to a call reporting a person with a gun inside a residence, officers arrived at the scene to find an armed suspect still in the yard of the home. Prior to their arrival, the suspect had allegedly committed a home invasion robbery. Three individuals were safely evacuated from inside the house before officers engaged with the suspect.

Police Response

Upon surrounding the house, officers made contact with the armed suspect, who was observed carrying what appeared to be a firearm. Authorities initiated verbal de-escalation techniques, attempting to peacefully resolve the situation. However, after over an hour of negotiation, the situation escalated, leading to an officer-involved shooting.

The Shooting

The Long Beach Police Department had activated the SWAT team, which was on standby to intervene if necessary. Despite efforts to peacefully resolve the standoff, the situation ended with the suspect being shot once in the upper body. The suspect was subsequently transported to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A replica firearm was recovered at the scene, though it remains unclear if the suspect was armed with a real firearm.

Investigation and Independent Review

The incident is under investigation by the Long Beach Police Department, and on Sunday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the California Department of Justice would conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. No other injuries were reported, and none of the officers involved were harmed during the altercation.

Conclusion

The fatal shooting of the armed suspect in Long Beach underscores the complex and often dangerous situations law enforcement officers face while carrying out their duties. Investigations into such incidents are crucial to ensure transparency and accountability. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will continue to provide updates on the case. For more news updates, download The Local News App to your phone.

Source