The Region - News from April 19, 1985

An off-duty city firefighter was shot and killed in the West Adams district by an escaping burglar whom he tried to capture, fire officials reported. Edward Coleman, an eight-year veteran of the department, surprised the thief when he returned home from work, Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Rod Bernsen said. As he drove up to his home in the 2900 block of South La Brea Avenue, Coleman saw the burglar loading items into Coleman’s other car, Bernsen said. The thief sped off with Coleman’s car close behind. Just a few blocks away at Longwood Avenue and West Adams Boulevard, the man crashed the auto, jumped out and fled on foot. Coleman ran after him and the gunman turned and shot his pursuer. Police officers surrounded the area but failed to find the killer.