Man shot by Los Angeles police identified; officials say he was armed

Officials have identified the man who was shot and killed by Los Angeles police officers after he allegedly fled a traffic stop in Pacoima.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, 21-year-old Alexander Aguilar-Larios was shot by police officers on Tuesday evening following a foot chase.

At around 9 p.m., officers from the Foothill Area Gang Task Force stopped a BMW sedan for a traffic violation in the area of ​​Lehigh Avenue and Carl Street.

Aguilar-Larios, the passenger, immediately got out of the vehicle and fled the scene of the accident through a residential area. Police say he was armed with a pistol.

The officers pursued him and at some point Aguilar-Larios staggered to the ground.

While few details are available, an LAPD press release said the 21-year-old was still holding his gun when he got back on his feet and attempted to flee, but was fatally shot.

He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and pronounced dead, police said. No officers or anyone was injured.

Few details have been released about the moments leading up to the fatal shooting. LAPD officials did not say how many times Aguilar-Larios was shot or how many officers opened fire on him.

They also did not say whether Aguilar-Larios pointed a firearm at officers, but a 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene.

“The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation that is evolving as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence,” officials said in Thursday’s news release. “The department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.”

The driver of the BMW also fled on foot but was able to escape. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the LAPD.