DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A possible murder suspect armed with an assault rifle led authorities on a wild chase through the downtown Los Angeles area Tuesday. The pursuit came to an end when the suspect was shot by officers and subdued by a police K-9 at a busy intersection.


There were no immediate reports indicating whether officers or civilians were hurt.


Los Angeles police said the pursuit began about 6 p.m. near Sunset Boulevard and Rosemont Street in Echo Park. Officers said they received a LoJack tip about a stolen vehicle in North Hollywood

LAPD pursuit ends in gun battle downtown

The suspect, described only as a white male, was wanted for a July homicide, police said. They did not identify the suspect.

The suspect, driving a white two-door car, struck at least one car and almost hit pedestrians in a crosswalk as he drove erratically through the downtown, Echo Park, Westlake and Silver Lake areas. He frequently blew through red lights, maneuvered into oncoming traffic and cut through gas stations.

As officers gave chase, the driver came to the intersection of Bixel and 7th streets near Staples Center, where he was struck by another car in the intersection.

The suspect stumbled out of the car carrying what appeared to be a rifle. The suspect appeared to fire several shots before he was downed by police gunfire. Officers surrounded the suspect with high-powered firearms but kept their distance as the man was on the ground, the rifle next to him within reach.

A police K-9 was sent to subdue the suspect and officers moved in.

It appeared the suspect was alive. He was placed in the back of an ambulance.