Los Angeles: A man was shot and killed during a scuffle with a Los Angeles police officer on July 21 in San Pedro.
According to investigators, a patrol unit was called out to investigate a prowler call in the 500 block of McDonald Avenue shortly after midnight. The officers spotted a man matching the description of the prowler a block away near E Street and McDonald Avenue. When they approached the man, later identified as 40-year-old Pedro Gonzalez Santacruz, he turned and started punching the officer. A fight broke out. The injured officer’s partner Officer Eric Johnson, 11 years and 6 months on with the Department, believed that the suspect was stabbing his partner and fired his weapon.
Paramedics rushed Santacruz to Harbor UCLA Medical Center where he died as a result of his injuries. The wounded officer was also taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released after suffering injuries to his head and hand.
The officer involved shooting is being handled by LAPD’s Force Investigation Division.