The Region : Suspect in Molestation Slain by Officer

A man who allegedly tried to sexually molest an 11-year-old boy was later shot and killed by a Los Angeles police officer in Van Nuys. Lt. Charles Higbie said William Beard, 25, lunged out of the darkness at the boy, knocking him off his bicycle, in the 13000 block of Vanowen Street. Higbie said Beard tried to sexually molest the youngster, but the boy broke free and ran home. The boy’s stepfather and uncle found Beard not far away but were unable to capture him. Officer Albert Cunningham spotted Beard in a nearby apartment complex and opened fire when Beard approached him as if to attack, Higbie said.