-- Andrew Blankstein
Los Angeles Times
Eight Los Angeles police officers fired more than 90 rounds at an unarmed 19-year-old man who had led them on a high speed freeway pursuit and called 911 to threaten them with a gun, authorities said.
The shooting played out on live television after Abdul Arian refused to pull over when police tried to stop him for erratic driving. He led police on a chase onto the 101 Freeway, where he stopped in dramatic fashion -- turning his car and stopping across eastbound lanes.
He jumped out of the car and ran. Then he turned and appeared to run backwards. Police said he assumed a "shooting stance" and appeared to raise his arms and appear to point a weapon, prompting them to open fire, killing him.
No gun was found at the scene, but police released statements Arian made to a 911 dispatcher in which he claims he has a weapon and makes it clear that he's not afraid to use it.
"I have a gun," Arian said.
"I've been arrested before for possession of destructive devices; I'm not afraid of the cops."
He also said: "If they pull their guns, I'm going to have to pull my gun out on them."
According to a news release, the dispatcher pleaded with Arian to surrender peacefully, saying, "I don't want you to hurt yourself."
Arian responded with expletives and a threat: "... these police, they're going to get hurt."
The department's force investigation division kept the freeway closed all night as they collected evidence and conducted interviews. Department officials will review several factors related to the incident, including communication tactics and whether the large number of rounds fired endangered other freeway motorists.
No breakdowns were available about how many shots each officer fired.
Photo: LAPD officers watch as a tow truck lifts Abdul Arian's Ford Crown Victoria from the 101 Freeway. Credit: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times
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