Suspect In Custody Following LA Pursuit, Deputy-Involved Shooting
LOMITA (CBSLA.com) — Detectives from internal affairs were investigating the circumstances surrounding two deputy-involved shootings that took place in Lomita.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, deputies were sent around 2:10 a.m. to 246th Place, near Pennsylvania Avenue, for report of a man screaming on Pennsylvania Avenue.
As the first deputy on scene exited his patrol vehicle, the suspect sped towards the deputy. In order to avoid being hit and seriously injured, the deputy jumped out of the way, and the suspect vehicle rammed the patrol vehicle three times.
Authorities explained the suspect then proceeded to drive over a curb, through several bushes, still attempting to run over the deputy.
As the suspect continued to chase the deputy at a high rate of speed, a deputy-involved shooting occurred, officials explained.
The suspect's vehicle was struck by gunfire, however, he was not hit.
Deputies said the suspect attempted to flee the scene, and sped through several front lawns, where he subsequently drove towards a second patrol vehicle that responded to the call.
A female deputy traveling in the second patrol car was treated for a sprained wrist she sustained when she slipped while trying to get out of the way of the suspect's vehicle speeding toward her.
A second deputy-involved shooting occurred, but once again only the suspect vehicle was struck by gunfire.
The suspect then led deputies on a brief pursuit down 246th Place, and subsequently sped over a curb, barreled through a backyard fence, and collided into a camper where two residents were sleeping in the back yard of a home.
Deputies explained the suspect — Mario Morales, described as a Hispanic resident of Lomita — was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
Morales was taken into custody, and faces criminal charges including assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer.
The individuals sleeping inside the camper did not sustain any injuries in the crash.
KCAL9's Joy Benedict spoke with neighbors in the area, who explained they weren't sure of what actually happened until the scene ended.
"It happened so fast," said Lomita resident Mark Saura. "It sounded like firecrackers, and then it was over. Thankfully no one was hurt."
Officials have roped off the entire block of Pennsylvania Avenue, along with 246th Place to Cypress Street to residents.
The investigation is actively ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Internal Affairs Bureau at (323) 890-5300.
