Van Theft Suspect Slain

A suspected car thief was shot and killed by a Los Angeles police officer Tuesday after a brief car chase in the Baldwin Hills area.

A police spokesman said the suspect, who was unarmed, had stolen a van and was being pursued by uniformed officers Stephen Staples, 38, and John Fleming, 36, when he collided with a tree and was ordered to get out and lie on the ground.

But Lawrence said the man, who was not immediately identified, rose to a kneeling position, and Fleming fired a single shot, believing that he was reaching for a weapon. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.