Man Killed in Shootout With Police; 2 Companions Sought

Los Angeles police are looking for two unidentified young men they say were involved in a pursuit and exchange of gunfire with officers early last week in the Crenshaw District. A third suspect, still unidentified, was killed, Southwest Division homicide detectives said.

According to police, the three were in a car stopped by Officers John W. Fleming, 36, and Brian K. Powell, 25, for speeding near Crenshaw and Adams boulevards about 3 a.m. on Sept. 9. The suspects fled as the officers approached and allegedly fired several shots during the ensuing chase, hitting the patrol car twice.

The suspects’ car struck a light pole in the 4500 block of August Street, where the driver, known only by the nickname “Naeem,” got out and reportedly fired at the officers. One of his two passengers hid under a parked car, reached for a weapon and was shot to death by one of the officers, police said.

Naeem and the other suspect escaped, detectives said.

Naeem, whose photograph reportedly was turned up in the search of a home, is described as a 22-year-old black man, 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighing 220 pounds. He is believed to frequent the Hollywood, West Los Angeles and Wilshire areas.

The other suspect is described as a black man 18 to 25 years old and of medium build.

Police have asked anyone with information to call Detective John Bunch at (213) 485-2196 during business hours or Detective Headquarters Division at (213) 485-2504 nights and weekends.